Chapter 6 Blog Discussion

I think using blogs can be very beneficial, especially if used in an educational setting. First, writing blogs can serve as a journal, and this would get students to do more informal writing. Informal writing seems like it would be much more appealing to young people than having to write formal essays. Also, writing down feelings or thoughts in a journal is very therapeutic. Second, blogs that are used for discussions would be helpful for those students who are too shy to speak up in class or need more time to organize their thoughts. This would enable all the students to participate, instead of just the outspoken, aggressive students dominating the discussions.

When I become a teacher, I think it would be a good idea to integrate several of the technologies mentioned in Chapter 6. As I mentioned above, blogs for journal writing and discussions would be beneficial. In addition, I would probably try to connect my students to other students around the world through KidLink, iEARN, or Global Schoolhouse. Interaction with students from other countries would promote dialogue and understanding of the many different cultures, along with giving the students new perspectives of other nations. And since these students will one day become our world's leaders, what better way to begin bridging cultural gaps than to get them interacting at young ages, while their minds are still young and more open.