Reflection

Well it was not intentional that so many days have past since my last post. Unfortunately when nature intervenes and is 'kind' enough to give you a bout of sickness, blogging just has to be put on hold.

Anyway on with business. Although not academic I have to say I have enjoyed blogging, if I had more time I think it could become addictive. I think one of the differences between blogging and discussion forums is that you have to log into everyone else's blogs to engage in their focus.

There is an element of solitude in blogging, I can see the potential of encouraging self reflection and could utilise it within the domain of professional development modules where students are required to submit reflective journal entries based upon their experiences in the work place. It could also be of use to support work based learning students as part of their independent study. Another element I am considering is whether this would need to be supported by peer grouping - i.e. small groups who are encouraged to follow other group members blogs and provide support. This would also need to be supported by the e-moderator as the undergraduate students within my modules often question the amount of time they spend on their reflective journals and the 'credit' they gain from it. Having the thought that others will log in dangling over your head does increase your awareness of staying up to date - writing a reflective journal does not hold this type of 'demand'.

Review of Bloggs

I have focused my attention on recent developments within Early Years - EYFS, EYPS, etc and have been surprised at how many blogs are out there.  

I do not want to continually repeat myself so I will try to consider the blogs I have reviewed from a different perspective than before.

The interesting thing is how accessible these are once you know where to look.  I would consider using  one of the blog entries as a starting point for discussion, set as a directed study task between lectures.  This would hopefully encourage the students not only to focus their attention on the assigned entry and any comments made in relation to it, but it could provide them with an alternative to other sources which do not get up dated so often.  

I appreciate that some blogs 'die' off due to not being accessed, etc but I guess the ones I have accessed are either linked to other organisations or are part of a professional body so the momentum appears to have been maintained.

I think that sustaining something similar within the context of the modules I run would be difficult as the students have some many demands upon their time.  However I do know that a lot of the students use face book to keep in contact and share ideas, concerns and pose questions.

Still considering the options of the blog, especially with the London based students I have to support.

Back on track!!

Funnily enough, although I had been led astray by the temptation of other blogs my comments actually remain the same.

When considering both these blogs I am aware that the Nick Robinson one is linked to the work of the BBC and although not a source which one should not scrutinise for validity I assume it is monitored in the same way their transmissions are?? (although that isn't always fail save as Jonathon Ross and Russell Brand found to their cost!)

I can appreciate the diary of Samuel Pepys as a source for debate/discussion within an educational context but it is quite remote from the field in which I operate so am struggling to truly comprehend how a similar style blog within my field could be used.  I guess a diary entry style blog of a known early years pioneer would open up a world of discussion, or even the students actually having to make the diary entries in the style of a key pioneer could be interesting and supportive in their development of analysis of impact and influence.  

To be continued.............

OOOPs!!! gone off on my own adventure!!!

Sorry have found myself being led astray by the world of bloggs.  I promise to get back on with the activities set.  As they say on the BBC - normal viewing will be resumed!!

Discussion or Information???

I am now starting to consider the differing roles of the blog, I have encountered blogs which appear to be providing almost a website-ish domain where viewers (there didn't appear to be an option to comment so I think it is only for the authors to enter blogs) can read others entries and access the links they provide to other sources.

I have also come across those which are more in the style of this blog, one where the author is making diary entries related generally to a field of interest (early childhood) but there are also elements of personal reflection (loss of laptop, grandchildren visiting).  There is still a wealth of information contained within this type of site, predominantly links to other websites but I am yet to see how this style would be used within the modules I focus on.

Potential gains for students ???

I have considered the potential of one of my most recent visits into blog land with specific reference to the work based learning students on the foundation degree.  many of these students struggle to dedicate large chunks of time to their study due to their work commitments and balancing life in general (ring any bells!!).  The blog concerned (www.earlychildhood.blogspot.com) provides access to regular entries related to current issues - almost like having an early childhood version of BBC 24.  

There is the usual issue of information which is being put out there by individuals who may not represent the topic in a purely unbiased way (acknowledgement of the limited ability to do this anyway is made)  but isn't that also something which can be of value within the learning process?  When encouraging students to access information we reinforce their need to be aware of the source, if it is sponsored, its potential bias, validity, etc, therefore it could provide greater reinforcement of these issues and lead discussion/debate - something which these students love!!!

I never realised.....

I am amazed to have found as part of my research into blogs that they have been around for so long - over 10 years!!  I really had no idea.  

The funny thing is that I found this out purely by accident.  I'd like to say that it was in my pursuit to further my understanding of the origins of this area of online communication but the reality of it is that although my field of study is 'Early Years', as in early childhood,  this has other connotations when used in search engines (luckily it generally does not bring up anything deemed unacceptable!!) There wedged between blogs related to early years science and early child care was an link to the New York Post outlining the early years of blogging.  

It has reminded me that in accessing information via online media such as this you have to have search skills to prevent you from spending hours trawling what is interesting but unnecessary sources.