Learning to use a blog can be confusing sometimes...it may leave you wanting to stick your hand in a polar bear's mouth. Don't!! Blogs are only as scary as you let them...and as I heard one elder say, if you punch a polar bear in the nose, it will run away.
In the classroom, Weblogs can be extremely powerful tools; your students will experience a type of global learning that is unique to the 21st century. It is our responsibility, as educators, to learn how to use this resource to its full potential.
You might ask yourself, "how is this relevent to the traditional knowledge we want our children to claim?" What about the traditional way of learning which underscores the concept of IQ? What about Inuglugijaittuq? Although my Inuktitut isn't really great, I was told this refers to 'the collaborative and collective process that emphasizes the interdependence, growth, success, and importance of the group'. What about Pivallianginnarniq?Sivuniksamut ilinniarniq? Aajiqatigiingniq?
...and you know what's great about a blog? You get to read those last few sentences, process the information, then tell me whether this is a correct interpretation. You get to teach me. A class blog should be interactive.
Right now, I would like you to take some time to read 'The Pedagogy of Weblogs' handout that I had provided in the classroom. It gives a list of five attractive traits to such a user-friendly tool:
1. Weblogs are a constructivist tool for learning.
2. Weblogs truly expand the walls of the classroom.
3. Weblogs archive student/teacher learning allowing for greater reflection.
4. Weblogs are democratic tools that support different learning styles.
5. Weblogs enhance the development of expertise in a particular subject.
What do you think? Is this something that has any relevance in a northern context? Perhaps it can be the subject of your first post...
-towya-
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