Blogamania

Will Richardson is so intelligent. After watching him on youtube, it becomes even more evident to me that he truly knows what he is talking about when it comes to the importance of blogging. I have always been the type of person that expresses themselves on paper. I only use the internet to talk on instant messenger or to look up information for a class/project. I now realize that the days of writing with pen and paper are coming to a rapid end. It is vital for me as a future teacher to keep up with technological advances. Using iTunes, learning how to create podcasts, wikis, etc..is the future of learning (the very new future I might add). I am beginning to understand Will's argument when it comes to blogging. Not only will students be able to express themselves and their ideas on the intenet, they will also be able to receive feedback on their thoughts and view the thoughts of other students. This is an excellent way to exchange knowledge from student to student.

My only concern with using the internet to teach is wondering whether or not the information students are looking up is credible. Obviously there is a great deal of bogus information on the internet and I would just be concerned that my students would be getting false facts. In high school we were always taught to stay away from cites like wikipedia and google because essentially there is no way to tell if the information given is fact or fiction.

By giving our kids access to a world of information, we are allowing them an endless opportunity to learn. Knowledge is infinite and the internet is a great place to find that knowledge.

Regarding the PEW article, I totally agree with the statement that it is America's youth that uses the intenet the most. Older generations, like those who are our grandparents age, very rarely if ever use the internet. Even those who are our age aren't nearly as experienced with the world wide web as they should probably be. Will Richardson stated in his youtube segment that his 5 year old son and 8 year old daughter are constantly blogging and corresponding with other students on the internet. Exposing our children to the plethora of information on the internet is extremely important. Obviously it is up to the parent/teacher to administer which cites their children/students are viewing, however I truly believe that the internet will do more good than harm, contrary to popular belief.

In response to the other PEW/INTERNET article on social networking websites and teens, I can honestly say that I am a bit surprised to find out that only 55% of American youths use online social networking sites. With all of the material on the internet nowadays, I would think that this number would be significantly higher. It will take people like Will Richardson to really spark an interest in the minds of those who do not use the internet.

I am still waiting for two books for this class to arrive, as I ordered them on Amazon and they still haven't come in. Warlicks book is one of them, so regretfully, I will not be able to respond to this particular part of the assignment. Once the book comes in however, I will be sure to relay my thoughts on the blog.