The Online Edge

Dyrli, the author, describe the numerous possibilities of how blogs are being used in today’s society. He supports the idea of incorporating the use of blogs with in the classroom. I agree with the author; I personally believe that with the right supervision, blogs could offer a wealth of information to students and instructors. Students will be able to offer their thoughts more openly through their on-line discussions. I think it shows individuals that they can learn from everyone. Blogs are being used by a variety of people; students, instructors, administrators, businesses, government, the media, etc.

Blogs, Threaded Discussions Accentuate Constructivist Teaching

This article raised some great points in regards to using blogs within the classroom and on-line instruction. I definitely agreed with Hernandez-Ramos, when he made the comment that it shows students that they can learn from a variety of people, not just an instructor. I believe everyone comes into a classroom with varying life-experiences, carrying with them a wealth of information and different perspectives to contribute to discussions. Hernandez-Ramos also commented on how he gets to see a different side of his students while reading their blogs and on-line discussions. I’d have to agree, I personally feel more comfortable writing my thoughts out rather than speaking on the spot. I feel as though I can think things through more thoroughly. Meyer closed this article with her thoughts regarding face-to-face instruction versus on-line learning. She made some good points that institutions/unions need to take a closer look at both means of learning, because in reality they are not that different. As it sounds, on-line instructors seem to get less credit for the work they do. I personally feel, regardless of whether a person is an on-line instructor or a traditional instructor; they both deserve the same accreditation for their efforts.