Blogging Reflections: WEEK 1
I actually feel like I struggled with blogging this week. I felt like I had more difficulty discussing a topic rather than reflecting on and answering questions as with the discussion boards. I noticed immediately that I was trending toward a discussion board form of presentation rather than the blog form some other students were presenting. I felt like I was regurgitating the reading material and writing a small paper where I had to reorganize my content a few times, something you would definitely not do when journaling. So far, I feel like I understand what it’s all about, but what journaling means to me seems like a regression from higher learning, although the reflection can definitely be there. Maybe I would struggle with this even if it was on paper…
But, maybe my style is just more simplistic and formulated right now. Maybe since this blog is educational I am not into the flashiness so much unless it seems relevant to my post.
Something else I noticed just recently with this course is that it is difficult for me to keep up with the many learning platforms we are using all at once. I am finding that I like all of the content/assignments in just on or two places and it is hard for me as an organized/linear learner to think about accessing all of these platforms multiple times a week. It is a challenge! If this was a long-term activity I would definitely take the time to map out where everything was in one location to use as resource/reference to help me as an individual locate important materials. Don't get me wrong; I do understand the purpose of using all these different platforms for this course. However, I think an adult learner who was less familiar with technology or even a younger student would really struggle with a course similar to this one.
***On a side note, when learning a new technology, such as blogging, it can distract from simply getting the critical content of your blog done, whereas discussion boards are way less distracting!
Janel,
ReplyDeleteSince returning to school, about 3 years ago, I have really come to appreciate the sharing of ideas, information and experiences through discussion boards. In many of the courses I have taken this was where the predominate amount of learning took place, obviously depending upon the structure of the learning activities using this technology.
Now that I have been introduced to the blog I appreciate the ability to personalize the space, thus creating a more comfortable environment for the important sharing of information that takes place among adult learners. As you also pointed out, I believe the ability to add pictures, videos, resources links, etc. adds to the overall learning aspect of the blog.
Gary