In response to Stratosphere

Technology is a double-edged sword. It has the power to assist, create, and transform; but it also wields the power of empty distraction. The role of teachers with regard to technology is to make sure that it is harnessed for all of its positive transformative qualities without distraction seeping in. As Fullan (2013) puts it, “don’t focus on technology- focus on its use” (2013, p.11). With the many distractions that new technologies offer, using it only for good is quite a feat, but it is realistic. The first step in using any technology, whether iPads, headphones, or blogs, is to educate for digital citizenship. Students need to know what they’re getting into, and have clearly defined standards for acceptable technology use.  As I move forward into the realm of classroom blogging, I will first educate my class in the importance of maintaining a positive and professional image in the blogosphere.

The four criteria for great technology projects (Fullan, 2013), include engagement, ease of use, accessibility, and real-world application. Technological tools are increasingly meeting the first three criteria on their own without any educator assistance. Application, then, becomes the most important element within the classroom, and the teacher-as-change-agent is responsible for carrying this task out.

I’m excited by Fullan’s (2013) arguments because classroom blogging falls in line with these criteria. If used correctly, blogs can be incredibly engaging given the freedom of expression and authentic audience, and they are accessible on nearly any device. With a brief tutorial I have no doubt any student can use them with ease, though the application is the most exciting of all. Individual blogs, personalized to the authour, can serve as windows into the things that genuinely interest students, while also prompting them to connect those things to the content at hand. Once those connections are made, and engagement is achieved, real, applicable problem-solving can begin.

Reference:

Fullan, M. (2013). Stratosphere: Integrating technology, pedagogy, and change knowledge.

Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.