Education Rambler

Simply stated, a blog is a website.  However, just as a sneaker is a shoe with a specific purpose, a blog is a website that tends to have a specific purpose and funtions in a specialized way from other websites.  And just like different sneakers can be designed for specific purposes such as running, walking, or cycling, blogs can be designed for different purposes as well.

Wikipedia’s definition of a blog is a pretty good one because it incorporates the idea that blogs are essentially logs of information which tend to be organized in chronological order (most often with the most recent information listed first).  It also indicates that blogs often provide commentary on a particiular subject, and very often solicits comments from site visitors. 

In Will Richardson’s (a popular blogger and Web 2.0 enthusiast) book, he suggests a continuum of blogging.  At one end is using a website or blogging site for listing information, and at the other end of the continuum is the concept of blogging to tap into higher order thinking skills like synthesis and evaluation (the continuum mirrors Blooms Taxonomy in some ways).  “High Blogging” might include activities such as linking to an article or another blog, analyzing the information from that link, and then synthesizing information or beliefs from that source with your own information or beliefs. 

Edublogs, a popular free blogging tool for educators, suggests ten possible uses for blogs in the classroom.  They present a range of activities such as posting assignments, organizing, professional development, and even using it as a free website. 

Whatever you decide to use your blog for, just remember that some people would argue that “true” blogging only occurs when higher order cognition is being demonstrated.  This shouldn’t discourage you from using a blog.  There are many creative uses of blogs as portfolios or showcases that don’t necessarily tap into synthesis, evaluation, or critical thinking. 

Also remember to think about the types of specialized tools blogs incorporate:

• Blogs present “posts” of information in reverse chronological order.
• Blogs allow for comments from site visitors.
• Blogs are usually set up to archive the information as months or years pass.
• Some blogs (like edublogs) allow information to be easily categorized and searched so that entries or posts with similar themes can be easily located.
• Blogs, like many websites, allow for hyperlinks to be contained within the text of any entry.

I have to admit that when I began blogging just a 1/2 dozen posts ago, I was kind of skeptical. I mean, I had made the decision to do it for myself–if for no other reason than to take the time to actually reflect each day and write about my reflections. What’s interesting is that sometimes taking a risk yields unanticipated rewards.

After writing my thoughts on 21st Century Skills in my Cookie Cutter post, it appears I received a comment from Roger Schank himself (I say “appeared” because the person signed their ID as Schank and directed me to his website, but I don’t really have a definitive way to prove it was him).

Regardless of whether or not it was actually Schank who commented on my blog, I got directed to Schank’s site, Engines for Education and was able to learn about the VISTA project.

I plan on looking more into Engines for Education, but at this point I’m excited about what appears to be my first blogging breakthrough. That is, I’ve gone from simple journaling to making connections with a larger community of learners. Whether it was Roger Schank (I mean, what are the chances… really?!) or one of my friends tricking me into thinking it was Schank, the end result is the same. I wrote about what I think, someone read it, and pointed me in the direction of a place where I could learn more about it.

And, by the way, according to Engines for Education, it appears the “cookie cutters” are on their way.