Blogs
and blogging seem to be ever increasing in our day-to-day life. Even at University, for this course (ALC 215, Globalisation and the Media) the
assessment task once would have been to write an academic essay has now changed
to a weekly blogging task. Robertson (2011, p. 1628) states, “blogs can be seen
as a convenient way to produce and share a reflective learning log and
secondly, they can offer an audience for student writing within the safety of a
learning community thus offering opportunities for collaborative learning.”
Roberts (2011, p. 1643) further states, “as well as providing opportunities to
practice self-directed learning, the blogs enabled students to express their
emotional experiences of learning and to exchange social and cognitive support
with their peers.” This analysis is a perfect example of what this blogging
exercise is about, the publication of ideas on a space where learning is
fostered and supported.
In
recent years the rise of the Internet and new media for most people has been
revolutionary for communication and presenting views online. The fact that
sites such as Tumblr, Pinterest, Blogger, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and
Twitter can serve as a platform for discussion on any topic of their choosing. Bruns et al (2011, p. 283) states “Twitter, Youtube, or Facebook are
frequently characterized --- or trivialized --- as tools for individualistic
self-expression or social networking, they are also at the same time playing an
increasingly significant role in global public communication.” It is evident
that it isn’t just the public or an individual with a vested interest on a
topic that has taken to blogs; big businesses such as magazines have ventured
onto the blogosphere. An example of this is New York Magazine. They now are not
only a printed and online magazine but they have their own YouTube channel,
Twitter account, Facebook account, Instagram account and also blogs that cover
restaurants, nightlife and fashion. Blogs change the way readers interact with
information, now anyone can comment, share and repost. Bruns et al (2011, p.
284) further comment “This demonstrates a significant change in how everyday
communication and personal media figure in public communication.”
As
I have mentioned Blogs have changed the way University students learn and how
big business and its public interact. The blogosphere has opened up a new way
for communication to flow. Anyone who has access to the internet can be a
Citizen Journalist, part time blogger or make a career blogging. It is an expression
of ones self and ones ideas. It creates a public forum where time and location
around the world stands still. I think at the moment this is just the beginning
as technology continues to improve and is ever more accessible to citizens of
the world the blogosphere will take off greater then it already is today.
Hear is a clip on blogging at a
Tertiary Level.
Source: <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrfxKCb2OHQ>
Reference
List:
-Bruns, A,
Burgess, J, Highfield, T, Kirchhoff, L & Nicolai, T 2011. ‘Mapping the
Australian Networked Public Sphere’, Social
Science Computer Review, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 283, 284.
-Robertson, J
2011, ‘The educational affordances of blogs for self-directed learning’, Computers & Education, vol. 57, no.
(not provided), pp. 1628, 1643.
-Using blogs & wikis in higher education 2011,
YouTube Clip, Jeremy Friedberg, 22 February, retrieved 6/9/2013, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrfxKCb2OHQ
Hi Andrew,
ReplyDeleteThis blog posts fits into this unit really well! I think your choice of this topic was excellent. Your definition is very detailed, which is good however I think it could have been improved if it was in your own words, rather than a quote. You have researched this topic thoroughly and provide a fantastic understanding of how blogging can improve learning. The use of your own personal knowledge adds vibrancy to your argument. I really enjoy how your blog is to the point; you do not waffle, which is outstanding! Overall an enlightening blog post! I look forward to reading your next one!
Thank you.
Hey Andrew,
ReplyDeleteI really like that you have blogged about blogging in university particularly in this unit, the blog post read well and showed that you have a good understanding of what were learning about in the unit. I liked that you didn't limit your post to blogging at university and also looked in to other areas where blogging has appeared such as cooperate companies and professionals. Your use of the video provides more relevant information whilst looking into a different media which adds entertainment and something different to the blog besides from the traditional text! Your use of referencing worked in well with what you were saying and overall was a great read! Keep up the good work!
Hi Andrew,
ReplyDeleteYou make very valid points about the way globalisation has changed society and the way we interact with each other. Your example of blogging for assessment for a university class instead of writing an academic essay is very relevant to your argument. Another prime example is the introduction of recorded lecures instead of actually attending them in person in lecture halls. The ability to connect to masses of people online is changing the way society functions and I think you have made valid judgements in your piece to express your point of view. The blogging world is creating a new platform for communication. Well done!
Hello Andrew,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, “The blogosphere has opened up a new way for communication to flow” is such a nice statement since considering it really reflects how we are supposed to utilize the technology completely in all purposes including education, business, and government. I like your straightforward and very understandable opinion. Also how you present the opinion regarding “citizen journalist” is relevant because every citizen is able to produce information, ranging from texts to videos and photos that can be shared in hassle-free via blog and other type of social media.