Blogs- The ability for everyone to be a "published" author. In my review of blogs from all walks of life, there are 2 kinds of blogs. Those that have a particular purpose, theme, common interest or dedication; then there are those that do not. Blogs seem, in many ways to be an outlet for many people. If it be jubilation or annoyance, people want to express themselves. Now, when we get into the academic realm of the usefulness of blogs, it can be a great tool, or a major distraction.
A teachers, we need to know how to use and evaluate the technology we are using- especially if we expect our students to use it. When we are able to show them the appropriate ways of using a resource, it makes a solid impact on their learning.
I couldn't agree with you more in the sentiment that in order to use a tool we must fully understand it. During my brief stint as our Library Media Specialist I sat in a number of classes with Librarians who were trying to learn the new "tricks of the trade" so to speak. Some did an amazing job of jumping into technology full force. Others, though, were reluctant to try something new, preferring to continue on as librarians in the sense they had always known. I wondered then (and now) how they could possibly prepare those students for the world we live in now by using the practices of 20 (or even less with as fast as technology has evolved) years ago!
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