Digital Discussions

Reflection is a very important step in the learning process.  Students naturally reflect on everything they do, but perhaps in school, they tend to become more passive about their experiences.  In any lunchroom, playroom, or sidewalk (and perhaps even in the classroom), students are constantly reflecting on the social situations of the day.  Who is dating, who broke up, who are friends, what is hot, what is not, etc.  This style of reflection is social in nature, but can also be applied in the classroom.

In the readings this week, there was an emphasis on using electronic techniques for student reflection.  Children do not naturally reflect by writing the answers to questions on paper.  They talk to each other; they instant message or text; they keep a diary.  The techniques suggested will help our children better think about the learning experiences they have.  They will be more enthusiastic, open, and thoughtful by doing a video response or posting to a blog.

These instructional technology tools will also serve another great purpose beyond reflection.  The power of blogging is that it is an equal setting, where all voices can be heard equally.  In a classroom, a teacher must call on students to answer; or there may be a reliance on written word.  Many students do not feel comfortable speaking up in class, or perhaps they do and the teacher doesn't call on them for one reason or another.  And with written reflections, perhaps a student struggles with writing or some grapho-motor deficiency. 

For these students, the blog can be a very useful tool.  Online dialogue between students will help these students express their voice, whether its for the process of reflection or just to discuss content.  This dialogue also brings content outside of the classroom.  In many settings, there is very little transference of material from school to outside of school.  And perhaps this facilitated more in communities where families are more "involved" with their child's education.  If this resource doesn't exist for students, then turning to their peers can be a powerful, perhaps an even better, resource.  Continuing the conversation past the classroom shows students that the content is real, meaningful, and can be applied outside - even if it is used only for online discourse!