Final Post

1.      Describe how you used the course blog.

I used the course blog’s of classmates to better understand different prospectives; different ways of viewing the same issues.

2.      What has your experience been with the course blog?

I still dislike blogging, but understand that it can be a useful tool. Others can see what we have written and use it to either work out their own problems or as a stepping stone to help them be able to reach out to us for help.

o    What about this experience stands out for you?

When you write something it gives you a chance to read it later and really think about what you have written, sort of like Freud’s making the unconscious, conscience, so to speak. One thought leads to another.

o    Did anything in particular or anyone connected with the experience stand out for you?

Eric had the clearest pictures I have ever seen.

3.      What feelings were generated by the experience?

Feelings? Sorry, no feelings…

4.      What thoughts stand out for you?

That given a group working with a specific topic, a blog could be a great thing. Each member has the option of speaking or not without feeling pressure from others. Sometimes people can open up better when not face to face with a group.

5.      Are you aware of any changes in thinking while using the course blog?

Change is a necessary part of life; people change and grow in their thinking every day, sometimes without even realizing it. Just because there are no huge changes to write about at this time, that doesn’t mean that there are not changes.

o    How were your personal values and assumptions influenced?

Doing the blog I can’t think of any personal value changes but during the work in the high school, I realized just how badly the kids need guidance. Even though they are nearly adults, the need for adult attention is greater than ever. I talked to a student that I had taught in middle school and he was so starved for adult attention that he hung on every work I said to him. He talked about things that we had covered in middle school and small compliments that I had given him. Things that I didn’t even remember saying. It made me realize just how important it is to treat every child with respect; treat them like you want other people to treat your own kids.

o    Did the blog enhance reflection, if so how?

Not really

6.      What did you like about the blogging experience?

I, personally, am not a blogger and probably never will be, but I will offer the option of blogging to students I work with for certain topics. Kids today have grown with blogging and feel comfortable about blogging about every subject but they will need a moderator to ensure that the forum is kept civil.

7.      What was challenging for you about the blogging experience.

In the beginning there were a few bugs that had to be worked out, but nothing that was too difficult.

8.      If you could make some suggestions about using the blog in a future course, what would you suggest?

Students should be given the option of doing a blog or posting stuff on BB.

9.      Have you shared everything that is significant with reference to the experience? If not, what would you add?

Nothing to add