Weblogs and RSS..Web Tools for Learning..!

This week I have been reading couple of papers about Bloggings and RSS web tools. I am intersted in how teachers and educators can make good use of both technologies in classrooms.

Even though i am new to both web tools, I will explain in simple language what I know about each tool.

"Weblogs" or "blogs" are simple websites that can be created and edited by anyone who has access to the internet. You dont need to know html codes to create your blog; within couple of minutes your website will be up and running....

The easiest way to start is to create your blog using one the free online services:

http://www.blogger.com
http://www.motime.com
http://www.tblog.com

Some definitions and benefits of blogging ..

"Blogging is the process of reading what is important to you online, engaging a community, and reflecting on online....it is a process or bring life to learning."

" A blog is characterized by its reflection of a personal style, and this style maybe reflected in either the writing or the selection of links passed along to readers"


"through the use of our weblogs we have been able to build a relationship, engage in reflective practice, and have interactive opportunities that develop and broaden our knowledge base."

" through the use of blogs, we were able to archive and publish students work, learn with far flung collaborators, and manage the knowledge that members of the school community create"

RSS..stands for Rich Site Summary or Real Simple Syndication.. it depends who you talk to.

RSS allows you to collect information from many websites using "aggregator" " or news feeder collector" . The RSS checks the websites you subscribe to every hour and send the information to you instead of you visiting each website individually.

To use RSS, u need to subscribe to the website you are interested in receiving information from...

There are alot of aggregators available for free download..

http://www.sharpreader.net
http://www.bloglines.com


I hope you find the information I presented to you useful and easy to read and understand.


I would like to hear from anyone who had used either tool in their classrooms; and how successful were they in using the technology and at what level it is being used..

Ghassan

Reflection...on the skills learners need to survice in the 21th ..

Hi everyone,

I am currently doing my Master of Education at USQ University, Australia. One of the topic i am studying and discussing with other people around the world is "what skills the learners need to survive in the 21th century"?

Having lived in many different places and taught in Australia, US and United Arab Emirates, I have found that the basic skills that learners must have in the 21st century are almost the same for everyone.

Learners must develop good people skills. Working with people, being part of a team, and being able to interact with others are essentials for success in today’s workplace. Emotional intelligence is as important as IQ for survival.

Critical thinking is another important skill that our learners must acquire to survive in the 21st century. As technology becomes more prevalent in our everyday lives, cognitive skills like self-direction, curiosity, creativity, risk taking and others are becoming increasingly critical.

Being able to communicate effectively in oral and written format is very important skills that our learners must develop.

Global Awareness... the internet has brought everyone close to each other. A great example of that is this online course we are taking at USQ. We have people from at least 10 different countries and many different cultures. Learners in the 21st century need to recognize and understand countries, sociocultural groups, public and private economic entities, , and individuals across the globe.

Technology skills… Knowledge about what technology is, how it works, what purposes it can serve, and how it can be used efficiently and effectively to achieve specific goals.

I would love to hear from many of you on this topic and on any other topics that related to technology and education..

Best Regards...
Guss

My Work

Hi

I am currently working at the Higher Colleges of Technology, UAE as an IT faculty. My college is located @ Madinat Zayed (bedaa' Zayed as it is known locally) which is 160km away from Abu Dhabi the capital of UAE.. Previously I worked at Ras Al Khamiah, UAE as an Educational Technology and IT Services Supervisor for 6 years. I am completing my Masters in Educational Technology, USQ Australia and i am hoping to finish my study at the end of this year.

Ghassan