Blogs - purpose - design - Thoughts related to integrating technology and learning.
For several weeks, I randomly viewed and read blogs. The purpose was to gain a sense purpose and understanding. This week most blogging are self-discoveries.
So what am I learning? What are my blogging goals?
Blog Design for Learning and Reflection:
- How do I view a blog?
- What keeps me reading them?
- Do I link to the resources offered?
- How will I view my blog?
- How do I want my readers to view my blog?
- What makes a blog an instructional design tool for promoting critical thinking?
Ok, its your turn, let me hear your comments to the qustions
Meanwhile back at the ranch…I share….
Discovery
Sites that attract my attention are easy to read, usually represent my personal values. Sites that turn me off are those that waste my time. I am attracted to blogs that offer creativity, new insights, solutions to problems, new knowledge, alternative thinking, and support social engagement.
Blogs that I value and read:
I enjoy blog in which the writers share experiences and have values similar to mine. OK liberal thinking, like listening to NPR, watching Public TV etc. Yikes, I am showing my bias and prejudices. Am I drawing a line in the sand? Am I stepping on some toes? Is this an ethical grey area? It is difficult to write objectively. We see it in the press and other popular media. Recognize it but work to understand the other side.
Writer Demographics:
OK, so I am nosey. I like to read the demographic information about the writer, contributors. It helps me identify and connect. I do not need to know the color of their eyes or favorite animal; however, person (age) place and time are crucial.
Why is an age cohort group relevant? Because a cohort groups share similar experiences and views. Each cohort marks his or her experiences with important events. The great depression, World War II, the Vietnam War, the Challenger explosion, Columbine shootings, and the destruction of World Trading Center are experiences that we identify with others.
I like expanding this shared viewed in a blog. How others view the world, helps me to connect. Travel is good for the soul, but it is also good for reflecting, learning and meeting others. Blogging is like travel; offering the same, except our words become the mode to meet others, learn and reflect. Blogs helps us connect to others, our world, and ourselves.
The context of blogs:
The best blogs support communication and thinking. Blogs serve as information exchanges. They are management tools and social learning tools.
Identified themes: (1) provide general or specific information, (2) support knowledge management, (3) peddle personal views, (4) offer self-reflection, (5) have commercial purpose, (6) become resource links, and (7) promote critical thinking.
Successful blogs are themed and support knowledge building. I enjoy the blogs that connect past events with current news and promoting vision. The blog helps construct meaning, shares resources and builds networks. Networking and engagement is prevalent between the writer and the reader. Topic engagement is broad. Some blogs are just fun. The light side of life and others seek to create social change.
SIDE BAR
What I really like about reading Blogs is the creative and innovation offered. As an example:
Hey I live in a small town, most times we howl at the moon because of the silence. Blogs bring us the bright city lights ...but they are connecting us. I still would not move to the big city, I have a million dollar view where I live.
Arianna Huffington, The Huffington Post, a news and blog site has quickly become one of the most widely read, linked to, and frequently cited media brands on the Internet. (Huffington Post Report) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ and http://www.huffingtonpost.com/theblog/
Check out National Public Radio...Use search enging 'blogs'
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17613637
The term "Web log," which was then shortened to "blog," was born 10 years ago. Blogs have made their mark on American culture, especially on politics. In this series, NPR looks at the blogosphere's evolution, as well as who blogs, the language and culture of blogs and how blogs are changing our lives. There are some neat stories to explore.
What engages me?
Journalists uses the term, KISS, Keep it Simple (short) Stupid. Effective Blogs stick to the KISS principle. Elements of appealing design are attractive, engaging, support resource networking.
Time is a resource. Be respectful of reader with what are you saying. Attractive blogs engage the reader. Busy designs create distractions. Successful design exhibits harmony and balance. Topics need sequences, subjects organized, and the site navigation flows.
Search Google: ‘worst blog sites’
http://ballz.ababa.net/flickerx/index1.htm
http://ballz.ababa.net/flickerx/index1.htm
http://www.terribleblogs.com/
