Chapter 2 Summary

Andrew Thonstad
September 27, 2009
Richardson, Will (2009). Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Chapter 2: Weblogs: Pedagogy and Practice
What is a Weblog and how can I incorporate them into my classroom? This is what Chapter 2 is all about. Mr. Richardson defines a weblog as “an easily created, easily updatable Website that allows an author (or authors) to publish instantly to the Internet from any Internet connection.” Weblogs are not static like your typically websites, instead they can be changed multiple times a day and are comprised of reflections and conversations (just like the one we use for these summaries). Mr. Richardson shares research that shows the potential positive impacts blogging can have on students. These include:
· Promoting critical and analytical thinking
· Being a powerful promoter of creative, intuitive, and associational thinking
· Promoting analogical thinking
· Being a powerful medium for increasing access and exposure to quality information
· Combining the best of solitary reflection and social interaction

Mr. Richardson goes on to explain how weblogs can be used in schools, even supplying links to examples from other educators. He goes into detail about using weblogs for:
· Class Portals
· Online Filing Cabinets
· E-Portfolios
· Collaborative Space
· Knowledge Management and Articulation
· School Websites
While I am just learning about creating and using these tools, based on the text, I can see how the tools can benefit my classroom. With a focus on Personal Finance, Economics, and Business, I can imagine collaborative conversations with business leaders in the community and beyond. Storing ideas and sharing works with others can assist the students in better understanding how their ideas can make a difference. Using a weblog could also lead to discussions (through journaling) about current and relevant topics – the economy, taxes, the impact of health care, job losses, and much more. The lesson (or homework) could change on a moments notice while keeping the students informed. (Mr. Richardson lists many classroom uses of weblogs at the end of the chapter.)

Weblogs can play an important role in involving and educating the classroom. Because of their very nature, weblogs are truly a constructivist tool for learning. Anything posted on a blog becomes part of the body of knowledge of the whole World Wide Web. Classroom assignments can have a far reaching impact as they can be read and discussed by people from around the world. This would expand the walls of the classroom to the ends of the earth. Weblogs also support different learning styles. Even the shyest student can share their thoughts and ideas. As someone who does not always feel the drive/need to share in a classroom setting (an even in a chat setting), I believe that everyone can feel engaged in the discussion.