Is blogging the same as discussion board activity?
The short answer to this question is it can be. However, it is worthwhile to dig a bit deeper
and explore the concept. Since I know
everyone reading this blog is familiar with message board in the context of
online graduate studies, I will not define it again. Blogs, on the other hand, should be defined
since we are using them as a learning tool to explore options as future online
educators. “A blog is a frequently
updated web site characterized by a reverse chronological listing of entries
that can be searched, archived, and categorized according to labels, called
tags, assigned by the author (King and Cox, 2012).” ProBlogger gives a more detailed definition and explores perspectives from broad to
technical.
First, let’s examine what is similar specific to the
academic environment. Both message
boards and blogs:
- Allow individuals to post opinions, thoughts, research, etc.
- Allow others to comment on an author’s post.
- Allows an author to share links to other web sites, embed video, and post photos. This assumes the administrator of the message board includes this function.
- Allows an author to construct new meaning through personal reflection and social participation of discourse.
- Allows an instructor insight into a student’s grasp of concepts.
- Has potential to build a sense of community among students and instructors.
- Provides opportunity for scaffolding of knowledge and deeper learning for students as they work to articulate themselves and engage in discourse.
- Allow for equitable contribution from multiple authors for collaborating (the blog has to be set up for multiple authors).
At first glance, one may wonder what more blogs could offer
to persuade an instructor to incorporate this tool. Although there are many similarities that are
critical to the learning process, it is the subtle nuances of blogging that may
offer the student and the instructor a deeper learning experience.
Blogs allow a student to personalize their work space and to
chronicle their submissions, with the ability to archive and search. Students who want to delve deeper into a
subject have the freedom to expand on their work without cluttering a message
board, appealing to the self-directed learner.
King and Cox (2012) cite research from Williams and Jacobs (2004) who
found that blogs have the potential to be a transformative technology for
teaching and learning because of the lack of boundaries typical to the
traditional classroom. They assert that
students have the opportunity for authentic voice and empowerment. This, along with the interaction from peers
creates the transformative potential of a “participatory culture as a social
revolution… (Ibid, 2012).”
Personally, I think an instructor can achieve a variety of
results with message board or blogging, depending on how it is used. If students are given a question to respond
to, the results will be very similar.
However, if a blog is used as a reflective journal allowing students to
pick a topic that resonated with them each week, including requirements of
other students to respond, the outcome could reflect more of the transformational
potential the authors refer to. The authors
noted the Reflector-Mirror exercise as the most successful practice in blogging
(King and Cox, 2012). A few thoughts
come to mind that would disadvantage the blog exercise. It is public and that may concern
participants and because it is outside of the LMS, students will have to find a
way to organize it into their school habits.
Finally, adult students are time sensitive, so reading multiple blogs
and commenting could overwhelm, not unlike an active message board, but the added
need to click to multiple locations could be cumbersome. Google reader or other feed reader may
minimize this, but then requires additional technology skill and comfort.
For more ideas on blogs and transformational learning, check out these links:
New Castle University's School of Medical Sciences Education Development studied undergraduate student and their reaction to the incorporation of blogs as a learning tool for life-long learning. Reflective Learning for the Net Generation Student
A paper that includes the current literature encouraging transformative pedagogy with some discussion on various technology to facilitate that intent. The authors also ask for more research on how to incorporate transformative pedagogy in an online environment that is sensitive to the impact of the student's affect.
An Exploration of Transformative Learning in the Online Environment
Faculty Focus, created in 2003 by Magna Publications is an e-newsletter and dedicated web site that publishes articles on effective teaching strategies for the college classroom — both face-to-face and online. In this article, the author discusses 4 precursors to transformative learning and how technology can influence readiness.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/transformative-learning-four-activities-that-set-the-stage/
For more ideas on blogs and transformational learning, check out these links:
New Castle University's School of Medical Sciences Education Development studied undergraduate student and their reaction to the incorporation of blogs as a learning tool for life-long learning. Reflective Learning for the Net Generation Student
A paper that includes the current literature encouraging transformative pedagogy with some discussion on various technology to facilitate that intent. The authors also ask for more research on how to incorporate transformative pedagogy in an online environment that is sensitive to the impact of the student's affect.
An Exploration of Transformative Learning in the Online Environment
Faculty Focus, created in 2003 by Magna Publications is an e-newsletter and dedicated web site that publishes articles on effective teaching strategies for the college classroom — both face-to-face and online. In this article, the author discusses 4 precursors to transformative learning and how technology can influence readiness.
http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/transformative-learning-four-activities-that-set-the-stage/
King, K. & Cox, T. (2011). The Professor’s Guide to
Taming Technology. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.
Thanks for the additional resources. I will make a note to check them out later. They seem interesting at first sight. Great post, thanks!
ReplyDeleteVianne, your post is very informative. Thank you! I agree that blogging can evoke transformative learning in many ways. One way that you did not mention is the one that I and a few other classmates are experiencing. It is the idea that incorporating this format of learning into curriculum actually creates a disorienting dilemma. Technology is so far outside my realm of knowledge and comfort that I feel lost with no foundation. It helps that we are surrounded by a competent instructor and capable classmates who are willing to share their expertise with us. Still, I know that I will definitely be transformed when this course is complete. I appreciate the process, but it can be painful at times.
ReplyDeleteTonya, great catch with your mention of the disorienting dilemma! You are so right and that aspect is critical to transformative learning. I agree, no one likes that feeling of being outside of their comfort zone. Although I am comfortable with many aspects of technology, I still have my limits. It sometimes takes me a while to completely accept and integrate a new tool.
DeleteI appreciate your willingness to admit your challenges with technology, and as you have noted, you are in good company. This week's assignment has prompted several discussions about technology acceptance and integration between me and my husband. I have several friends who are quite challenged with technology. Just this week, I have had two friends express frustration and concern because they are limited with their ability to utilize technology tools. One is PhD candidate who has an assignment to present a portfolio in "digits." She has never done a wiki, blog, prezi, or even google docs. My other friend would like to go back to school, but is overwhelmed by her fear of technology and the necessary role they have in learning. She doesn't have a smart phone and the word, "download" automatically increases her blood pressure. Clearly, you and our classmates are well beyond their learning point. Don't sell yourself short! My point here is one you have already made, we can't allow our fear of learning something new inhibit our growth! We all have limits to our comfort with technology, my challenge right now is the decision to stay with a pc and windows based applications, or convert to mac.
Learning together is one of the best parts about instructor facilitated, student-led environments like this. Please don't hesitate to let me now if I can support you or minimize your time spent trying to figure something out. It can be quite consuming sometimes!
Hi Vianne, very informative post. It looks like you did spend time organizing and reflecting on the point of technology and blogging. I am still not entirely sold on the idea, not necessarily the blog, but of general technology for its sake. I think if the design is there, i.e. you identify critical thinking (synthesis or evaluation as per Bloom's taxonomy of cognitive learning) then yes a blog might be warranted.
ReplyDeleteI echo Tonya's concerns over ensuring learners comfort levels are met. Are there other options for Adult learners to achieve the same aim as a blog? I would suggest a weekly journal that is peer reviewed would achieve the same goal. Let certain students who are comfortable with the technology do the blog but let others have options like journals. This is predicated on achieving the desired intention of one instructor not being able to coach every student through a blog. Should learner's needs not be met by offering options that achieve the same aim?
Good Morning Angry Farmer,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your response. I think there are lots of ways to do things "right" for students; however, I pause with your statement concerning the student's comfort level. Part of educating and especially transformative learning is pushing a student (gently) beyond that comfort level. That stretch applies to a variety of learning opportunities. Certainly, an instructor could modify assignments for student preference, but doesn't that perpetuate a student's inclination to do what's known and easier?
Writing papers is a standard expectation of grad school and many are very anxious about their ability to write effectively, but that requirement isn't modified. Instead, the student is coached and supported so that they learn the required skill. Technology transcends the classroom. We all agree technology is part of our world and permeates our lives. An instructor has the opportunity to introduce some skills that the student will likely be able to transfer to a work environment possibly increasing their earning potential or merely helping them "keep up." If an instructor can facilitate a safe learning environment, what great potential for the student to explore and experiment with new technical skills, no different that testing out new perspectives or improving writing skills.
Sometimes, I wonder if we get a little overly concerned with the bells and whistles. Reminds me of the creative projects in school. My oldest is not creative and at the age of 21, I am not sure he can color in the lines yet:) I always advocated for him at school not to be penalized for his messy-looking projects. When he was a sophomore, he had a project that included drawing a map and detailing various things within the map. Needless to say, his looked like a 2 year old did it while others looked professionally done, even though he worked hours on it. When the teacher wanted to take off points, I asked if he met the objective of the assignment. He did; it just wasn't pretty. She saw my point. Not everyone can color in the lines. Concerning technology and our blog assignment. As I understand it, the expectation is that we explore the tool and its possibilities, construct new knowledge with social learning, and experiment with new skills that may challenge our comfort level. No need to be the most colorful, or create multiple add-ons just to add fluff. Packaging is never more important that the contents!
Thanks again for the comment. I look forward to hearing your thoughts these next few weeks!