Pauline’s Blog

I am working on the introduction for my research proposal today. As I thought about why I had chosen this topic of using blogs, I am reminded of the huge potential out there for using Web 2.0 tools in education. At last year’s ICT conference in Rotorua I listened to David Warlick talking about preparing our children for an unknown future. I think we also need to be giving them what they need now - which is connectivity and curiosity. David talked about “Flat Classrooms” and how our students adapt to an increasingly connected planet. In many classrooms they are not given the opportunity to adapt as they are not exposed to any outside connections. Using a classroom blog is one very easy way of establishing outside connections with children. Initially it might just be with their immediate or extended family, but it doesn’t take much for it to grow from there. I think it would be one way of becoming more responsive to the needs of the 21st century learner, and very motivating for students.