Amado Quinonez - Educ 518
Hello and welcome to my blog for EDUC 518!
"Can we really challenge a students' critical thinking through blogging?"
Students' critical thinking can definitely be challenged using blogs. Not only is their critical thinking challenged by them knowing that their posts will be public, but also with teachers having the ability to post thought-provoking questions as part of assignments. The mere fact that teachers can use the blogs to post questions and lead discussions makes this a very powerful medium. When students need to respond to questions knowing their answers and thoughts will be on display, it surely makes them think twice about what and how they are going to post. Also, by making blog posts shorter rather than longer, students develop good summarizing and synthesizing skills. They need to gather their thoughts and deliver their information in a concise manner. The ability of others to give feedback and comment on posts, works to foster both the readers' and writers' critical thinking skills. Being able to have discussions and interact with peers and teachers through blogs naturally assists in improving communication and cognition skills. The use of blogs as electronic portfolios is also a very helpful way for students to measure their individual growth and reflect on their learning. Adding multimedia to their entries and topics, helps students add life and meaning to what they are writing and presenting.
