My thoughs about blogging

Blogosphere link – http://www.teachers.tv/video/167

Steve O’hear from the teachers tv video ‘blogosphere’ thinks blogging has an important role to play in education. I agree with this although I think there may be drawbacks as a teacher. So in theory, yes, but in practise, maybe not. The school they focus on in the video has the full support of the Headteacher, Mr Rob Thomson, who is described as a ‘blogging convert’, hence blogging is something that is encouraged throughout this particular school which I think is a great and innovative thing. Due to the enthusiasm from both staff and children they even provide extra curricular blogging club facilities. I think this particular school is working proof of the positives of blogging. However I also think that putting this into practise in a school which gives little support (e.g. the head does not back it) may prove quite difficult. It was clear from the video that the school featured saw blogging as very much a part of its ethos. I feel that for safety and practical reasons, blogging is something that can only work efficiently with total backing from the Head; all staff need to be on board and work together in moving this concept forward and making use of it across the curriculum. I don’t think that blogging is something that can be done as a teacher alone. Staff need to be educated and supported in this area to ensure that children benefit from it in a safe and secure way. From watching the video, I have thought up some initial strengths and weaknesses of blogging in primary schools:

Strengths
· Offers many cross curricular opportunities.
· Stimulating for children – gets them involved in learning without necessarily appearing to do so.
· Bringing out children who are unsure of themselves for whatever reason.
· Children actively involved – a direct and instant way for children to express themselves and have opinions without having to go through an adult (could enhance critical thinking).
· Children have their say – can communicate with words, pictures and links etc.
· Provides an extra motivation to do work – enhances creative and independent learning.
· Can be popular especially for children who don’t like writing.
· Can potentially enhance literacy skills.
· Encourages children’s thoughts and opinions.
· Encourages interaction with peers.
· A good learning tool for Autistic/ SEN children – gets them connecting with the world and helps them to express themselves.

Weaknesses

· Can only work effectively with full backing from the school.
· Security – got to be really careful with safety hence why so important to have all staff on board, especially IT techs who know how to set up ‘net nanny’s’ etc.
· Communication is a one way process – children can express their opinions but not able to get feedback from peers due to safety (a vicious cycle).
· Some parents may object for safety or religious reasons.
· Internet bullying.
· Interaction is computer based not people based… not learning social interaction skills, more how to communicate via a machine.
· Literacy skills may be hindered due to spell check. Children are less aware of their mistakes if they are ‘automatically’ corrected.
· Not entirely inclusive - SES/ family income issues – we must recognise that still in today’s technological climate, not all children have internet access at home. Therefore it would be unfair to set blogging homework if not all your class have internet at home.