Week 2, Chapter 1: Question Authority

Listening to Miller's presentation to the Rutgers Board of Governors about the ways in which web 2.0 tools have redefined "authority" and "expertise" brought to mind all kinds of theories relating to ESOL and literacy education. The idea of all students as bearers of knowledge in their own right, as individuals capable of creating rather than simply mimicking, is a huge part of modern educational practice. The Language Experience Approach (LEA)  is a terrific example of this sort of thinking put into action. LEA allows students to engage with language in the form of reading, writing and discussion without being overwhelmed by the process. Even young students are given authority and allowed to create a text upon which the group lesson is then based; each student gets the chance to create, and everyone learns from each individual text. This is perfectly in line with Solomon and Schrum's (2007) suggestions that Web 2.0 has allowed a shift from a vertical "command and control" universe to a more horizontal "connect and collaborate" one (p. 110).

I can see blogs being used in language classrooms to serve a similar purpose to the LEA. I love that agency is given to the students and allows them to not just look at information, but really interact with and get excited about it. One of the articles that Kim posted had a link to Mr. Allen's class blog...and it is amazing! Not to mention hilarious. The first graders get to write simple messages to their classmates and teacher and post short journal entries on what appear to be topics of their choice. The blog serves multiple functions--it's a great way to get the kids involved in literacy, but also to teach them about blogging as an educational tool.

For teachers trying to incorporate blogs and other online resources into their classrooms, I think the main focus is on stressing the importance of filtering information and using web tools in academically appropriate ways. The fact that anyone can post anything at anytime doesn't necessarily mean that they have something worthwhile to say. Or, to put it more diplomatically, it doesn't mean that the information they are posting is relevant to you or to the subject matter you are trying to research. At worst, I think blogs can turn into an online textual equivalent to reality shows. Used smartly by an informed and focused audience, however, blogs are a tremendous resource.