Blogs in education

Similar to others using e-blogger, this is my first blog. Already I am able to see that through the use of blogs learners are able to develop and expand their knowledge base and skills around particular topics as well as their social networking skills and ability to use technology.

With ever evolving technology and the expansion of it's use in society it can been seen that there is a need for greater inclusion of the use of technology within pedagogical practices. This aims to not only equip and provide learners with the declarative as well as procedural knowledge and skills in order to use technology but furthermore function within a society that depends on it's use.

Initially it is significantly important to educate learners on web safety. Aldred (2010) describes issues with using the internet, these include, exposure to inappropriate material, physical danger, harassment and bullying as well as privacy. However, there are tools used to protect students when accessing the web such as the walled garden approach, this approach allows for control over what students are able to access on the web at school. This approach was used throughout my high school years and showed to be successful at keeping students safe and not distracted.

Unfortunately though, some of these tools do not allow students to engage in social networking which can often be educational. Networking allows students to share their ideas, opinions and findings with their peers online. Aldred (2010) believes that these engage students within their learning. Supporting this is the idea that children of the 21st century are often digital natives, that is they are brought up in a world of technology and understand how to use it far greater than others (Prensky 2001).

The increased integration of ICT's particularly online networking within educational contexts means for a greater range of accessible resources made available to students. This along with collaborative learning enables students to expand, collaborate and share their ideas, opinions, findings on particular topics, where they are able to learn from each other as well as increase their social and group working skills. The use of networking also enables students to practice their creative writing skills as well as journal writing. This can create an increase in the understanding of talking in first, second or third person along with more formalized writing. Furthermore, students are able to make connections to the real-world and participate in authentic learning experiences.

The idea of using social networking as a part of pedagogical practices means that students are able to ask questions to their teacher and peers when at school as well as home. I've found throughout this course that the use of online forums and social networking has made it easier to ask questions and ensure your on the right track. The learning pyramid suggests that student retain 50% of discussion groups and 90% of teaching others. It can therefore be seen that incorporating such ICT's into students learning .


Resources
Aldred, S. (2010). Internet safety: the issues. Retrieved from CQUniversity Moodle, FAHE11001 Managing E-Learning,
http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=44151

Prensky, M. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. On the Horizon. MCB University Press, Vol. 9 No. 5, October 2001.

The Learning Pyramid.