Quote: “Online blogs directed at peers exhibit fewer typographical and factual errors, less plagiarism, and generally better, more elegant and persuasive prose than classroom assignments by the same writers.” -Cathy N. Davidson
Response: After reading the article "Education Needs a Digital-Age Upgrade" by Virginia Heffernan in The New York Times, my immediate reaction was panic but soon my panic turned into an excitement for the future challenges and changes that will form in today's classrooms. In response to Cathy Davidson's belief about the use of blogs versus a typical term paper, I think she makes a valid point. When students are confined in how they write, what they are writing and who they are writing for they become greatly influenced by the grade that will be associated with their work. If a student can have the freedom to write an opinion on a subject and then back it up with fact, the product of their work will improve because their name is associated with their writing and not just with a grade. Everyone has opinions and our students' are growing stronger everyday they're learning. Blogging seems to be a better alternative to a standard research paper because the fact based learning is still there while having the freedom to express individual opinions and belief systems.
Video:
(Fox News, 2011)
Sources:
Heffernen, V. (2011, August 7). The new york times. Retrieved from http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/07/education-needs-a-digital-age-upgrade/?hp
Fox News, C. 5. (2011). Elementary student blogs: Innovative classroom technology. [0]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTToERnTKB4
I'm glad you see the potential in using social media tools to promote reading and writing in schools! A best practice in writing instruction is to provide students with an authentic audience. This was difficult for teacher to provide prior to the spread of the Internet and social media.
ReplyDeleteGreat video clip! Blogging is becoming a widespread practices in schools too!
You have a nice writing style! Excellent first post!