Dr. Harland’s Hangout

I’m a neophyte when it come to blogging. (Less than a year.) But when I was approached to be part of a panel discussion during ISU’s 2009 Teaching & Learning Symposium, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share how blogging has changed my view of teaching and learning.

I have seen the power of blogging when used with college students, and now can’t imagine how I did without it. I like blogging for one main reason–Its student-centered. More specifically, It allows the  voice of each student to be heard. In my personal experience I find that students reflect on a more personal level and are better able to apply what they learn when they express it to their peers. Students are more likely to admit what they are confused about, what they disagree with, and how the course has helped (or not helped) reduce their fear about becoming a teacher. Blogging, whether its the extra time students have to construct their ideas, or its the camaraderie students feel while online, I don’t know, but it gives me access to students in a way I’ve never had before…and for that I am thankful!

Here are 2 google documents I will be using during the presentation.

Blogging with students handout:

The handout includes the subheadings of: What is a blog?, Blogging works great for a 3-week summer school course, Training students to use the blog site appropriately, Assessing students’ blog entries, Logistical issues, and Tips for Great Educational Blogging.

Blogging Rubric

This is a rubric, that I modify every semester, that has helped me keep on top of the assessing student blogs. I not only put in their point total, but I also indicate which blogs I’ve posted responses to, so that I can be sure to post reponses to everyone at least once!

A San Fransisco Chronicle article published on March 7, 2008 titled, “Homeschoolers’ Setback Sends Shock Waves Through State“, brings up several huge educational issues. California just decided to uphold laws that have been on the books for decades regarding the laws that determine what constitutes a “school.” Apparently, parents in California do NOT have a constitutional right to homeschool their children.

The article says that unions are “pleased with the ruling” which isn’t surprising, because these homeschooled children, who will be considered truant if they don’t attend public or private (accredited) schools, have the potential to bring a lot of money back into the school system, and more jobs for teachers. Some homeschooled students are taught by well-educated parents who act as their teachers, being an active component in their learning. However, other students are taught by outdated distance learning techniques (videos taped in the ’80’s) that leave it to the individual to learn on their own, if they have the motivation. As an educator, I morn the later, wondering how much these students could enjoy the camaraderie of a classroom. As the member of a teacher’s union, I do believe that if parents want to educate their children at home they should be required to have some sort of educational training.

On the other hand, there are enough problems with the public educational system the way it is now, it seems understandable that parents believe that they can do better than what is offered to their children. I have come to believe that although teachers are some of the hardest working people I know, that it as a profession, attracts people who like education the way it is, not individuals who want to change it. For that reason alone, maybe parents, with little educational training can educate their children better than the school system the way it is.

There’s a lot more I could say, but that’s enough for now…