Even though there are many interesting blogs on the Internet, I have chosen three as my favorites for their innovative ways of delivering educational content, the well-organized architecture of information and interesting application of new technology.
The topic that these web blogs have in common is Education, but the approach to educational issues is different in content and format. In my opinion, their contribution to the educational field is particularly valuable because these web blogs are focused in the creation of dialogue between educators, parents, students and general audience. The blogs encourage the audience to share their viewpoints about situations in and outside of class, learning techniques, and application of new technology in education.
The first web blog is http://www.absolutely-intercultural.com
It is a blog and Pod cast (audio files distributed over the internet) dedicated to intercultural experiences and issues hosted by two European scholars.
I like in particular the use of Pod cast introducing the subject of the web notes and the format of web show that teach and help to understand the concept of culture as shared habits, beliefs and values of a national group. The subjects of the show are presented by the two scholars with contributions from people that share opinions and personal experiences in different parts of Europe.Its layout is simple but effective with a clear and appealing design. The content is presented based on a three color code and intuitive iconography. As a result, it is easy to individualize the notes, the additional material relate to the topic, and other links with more information organized by comments and dates.Finally, This blog allow participants learn from other cultures by interacting with the members of this virtual community interchanging opinions and experiences while theypromote digital literacy using Pod Cast technology.
The Second web blog is http://wordgirl.typepad.com/This blog is focused on sharing and discussing educational field’s concerns. It includesdiscussion about state, school and classroom policies and practice in the US. It also have a variety of recommended reading material as well as links with resources for students and educators.This blog has also a simple but efficient layout with a very well organized content.Even though it has a multilayer of information, the hierarchy on the content is very well thought out. It has the main information is in the center and the secondary content on the right and left using words and images for the internal and external links.I think this blog offers a good opportunity for sharing opinions and insight about learning and teaching practice. It also connects, students, teachers, and parents in a beneficial and productive way for the field. Moreover it a very good communication tool for those who live or teach in remote places.
The third blog is http://blogs.adobe.com/educationleaders/It is the Adobe Software company educational leaders web blog. Where you can get educator’s experiences using Adobe software for educational purposes. There are a lot of information related with Adobe technology and new applications for classes.Even though Adobe is the leader in the market for design and web design softwarethis blog does not have in my opinion a very good design compared with the two previous ones.It is not as friendly specially in the main body of text and notes.I consider this blog the best of the three for promoting digital literacy, teaching essential software skills, facilitating online learning, and linking with information and education about new risk on Internet specially for children and teenagers.
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3 comments:
what do you mean by favorites? please detail your post.
I really liked your second example (wordgirl). The blog is helpful in that it is easy to read both in its formatting and in content. She tackles a lot of the issues that educators are facing in and out of the classrooms and I found it helpful to read through not only the issues that she is having, but the pieces of her personal life that are intertwined. It made me more interested in reading on. It also put her as an author and as a real person into context. Casual, friendly but yet completely serious and dedicated to her work, it completely set the mood for viewing and reading her page.
I also liked that she included curriculum supplements, as many teachers struggle with finding aides that are actually helpful that are not provided by the state (or institution). It is helpful to see that other teachers are out there searching for supplements to the texts and standard teaching materials.
Thanks Elana for your comments! I have chosen these three blogs because I like the different approach that they have to education matters. Even though they offer different perspectives they’re complementary.In addition, the use of blogs as a media of communication between teachers and learner is very effective.
I agree with you about the content. As you mention in your comment “it is casual and friendly” definitely it invites the participants to share their opinion and comments.
Although, I like the three blogs that I have posted my favorite is number one (http://www.absolutely-intercultural.com) because it can be very useful for many groups of learners. In addition, the use of pod cast is very interesting to me, it helps me to imaging the places, situations. It is like a mix between reading a book and watching a movie because the audio and sound that I recognize help me to get the whole scene.
I think the interaction between people, places, culture is great and fun, and there is a lot of room for learning about many aspects of life.
Thanks again for visiting my blog and I look forward to read your future comments about new postings.
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