ICT(Information Communications Technology) concerns a wide range of applications in the field of digital data.It can be real time or not.The value of ICT in Education is closely related to the use and the management of the services,the systems and the applications.
MY THOUGTS ON BLOGGING
Why blogging?Is there any educational value added in learning?
First of all, it should be clear:What is a blog?
A blog is an online communication tool,which belongs to Web 2.0 .The author provides hyperlinks and comments.Visitors can search comment too and therefore interaction takes place.
As far as EDUCATION is concerned,
John Dale(University of Warwick)has stated,'' blogs open new opportunities for students and staff.It gives the students the opportunity to work together in projects''.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4194669.stm
A Blog can be a collaborative tool, depending on the use...and here comes the role of the teacher.It is said that technology would replace teachers.The question actually is who is going to guide students how to use technology?
A blog can be created through Blogger as long as there is an email address and google account.It is free of charge.Another option is wordpress.
Why blogging in the ELT class?
Blogs are collaborative tools and can enhance cooperation in class.This means that many projects can be organised and implemented through blogs.Students can share their thoughts.Blog provide us with the affordance of the immediate audience.Especially in developing skills,writing and critical thinking can be consolidated by participating in blog discussions.It is a way to check homework in a non-stressing environment.We,as teachers,can actually see if a specific tool introduced in class has a contribution to learning by tracking the dicsussions and students' progress.Blogs can also be a sign of the progress,as they form their portfolios.Blogs can also become the space for collaboration among schools and students all over the world.
Becuase teachers and students upload their pictures or projects,"Kids' Rules for Online Safety" should be taken into consideratio.
I have to admit that I was worried about the impact of new technologies on language and education.I realised though that depending on the usage of the tools,technology can contibute to learning.Digital literacies can be incorporated to traditional language teachingat first.In the process,lessons would be enriched,as we remain lifelong learners.Our students will be employees and citizens of the digital era.We cannot exclude that part from their education.Acquiring the skills for using digital tools is one of the keys to successful learning.
A whole new field of skills to be developed is in front of me!
This must be the core objective of any blog that there is a lot more for the students who are reading it add it must be like an essay service for the readers who write more technically and easily when they finish writing.
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