This is what is left of my final course reflection after I hacked it to stay within the confines of 2 minutes.  It was a much cuter dialogue prior to the editing process but hopefully, my thoughts are still conveyed.  I really wanted to explore a tool I hadn't used before but with the time constraints, I didn't practice using movement or change of scenery much because I didn't want to burn up precious video time.


Final Course Reflection by faerieprincess5672 on GoAnimate

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RSS

Really Simple Syndication (RSS) could not have been more appropriately named.  Once again, my technological ignorance smacks me in the face.  Prior to this chapter, I had no idea such a thing even existed.  Technology seems so advanced that tools come out before I even realize I have a need for them.

Just as Richardson indicated, using Google Reader was very easy, I haven't subscribed to anything yet because I am so indecisive that I'm not sure what to pick.  Limitations on time is a very real issue for me so I really want to be sure that what I pick is extremely useful as I haven't yet mastered the 21st century skill of scanning information effectively.  Luckily, there are ways of organizing the information that filters in using folders similar to how an inbox would be organized.  Never again will I miss important important information!  Six Stories Up gives an easy overview of how and why to use Google Reader and RSS feeds; it even has an explanation of usage for marketing.  

I am excited that it will make using student blogs easier and more time efficient.  I will be able to check their posts in one central location instead of clicking endlessly by using RSSmix.com to plug into different feeds.  

Resources

Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms. (3rd ed.). Corwin Press.

Blogging vs. Wikis

This YouTube video features what I assume to be an educator, Leslie Masden Brooks, that explains her perceptions of blogging and wikis with general ideas as to how to incorporate them into your instructional practice.  

As I read and/or watched the various resources on blogging and wikis, I noticed some commonalities.  The chart is my attempt to organize the information for my own purposes while providing a quick glance comparison of the two tools.  Regrettably, the cute little check marks came out as squares on the blog and I am not sure how to rectify that problem.

Potential Benefits	Blogging	Wikis
Promotes Collaboration
Immediate Feedback
Active Participation
Creative self expression
Invites outside resources/knowledge bases
Increase motivation
Differentiation naturally embedded
Global awareness and exchange
Increased student achievement
Develop multiliteracies
Learning independent from time and space
Captures metacognition
Potential for Cost Reduction
Ease of record keeping for students & teachers

In my opinion, the benefits far outweigh the challenges in theory but I am sure I will suffer growing pains while implementing blogs in instructional practices until my comfort level increases.

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Potential Challenges	Blogging	Wikis
Biased/inaccurate information
Lack of technological tools
Participation affected by extraneous time factors
Development of social competencies
Cultural impacts on collaborative process
Openness of participants

References

Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms. (3rd ed.). Corwin Press.

Online Collaborative Inquiry: Classroom Blogging and Multiple Literacies by Judy Arzt