Silent Blogger ?
I am fascinated with blogging. Unfortunately, I am a person of few words. I am not sure if I have what it takes to be a great blogger.
I use blogging for pleasure. I create online tutorials (mostly images and codes). But, I use Moodle (LMS) in all of my classes.
Why?
a) comfort zone
b) I can generate/create an online quiz
c) I can keep track of all my students’ assignments and lab work
d) I can easily duplicate (import) my work in one class to another class
One of the things I teach in my class is basic HTML. Most of my students would complain about the tags and too many things to type. Yes, it is part of the plan. I want them to feel “frustrated”… then I introduce blogging. I give them 2 months to blog about anything that they like such as cars, restaurants, fashion, computers, games, etc …
I often use WordPress. Last semester, most of my students used blogger.
I came across Drupal few years back. But, I did not really pay attention to its features. I could not remember why.
I watched the Edublogs video. It looks promising. I might give it a try.
Posted in: Week 07: Blogs
Everton Walker 1:13 pm on October 18, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
schiong,
I too love Moodle and all its features. You mentioned wordpress and blogger. What do you usually do with these platforms? Do you use for example wordpress as a CMS? or it’s just for topical discussions?
Everton
Juliana 4:51 pm on October 18, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Thanks for you post! I was curious how your students react to blogging after the HTML coding. What do they say?
You mentioned that your students often like to use Blogger. Can you offer any insights as to why this may be?
Looking forward to your response!
Juliana.
bcourey 7:41 pm on October 18, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
In my opinion, I still believe that a lot can be said with fewer words – especially if your blog includes graphics, videos, audio clips…some blogs that I have reviewed are mini-novels for some who maybe wish they were published authors? More effective to me to say what is needed more concisely – Is there another tool rather than blogging that you would prefer?
ifeoma 8:29 pm on October 18, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Schiong,
You may be a person of a few words, but it does look like Moodle has given you a voice 😉
Moodle does have some good features and I found it easy to use not to mention it is open source. If you can program, you can customise it to suit your exact needs without having to spend thousands of $$. I think there is also a network of tech support .
Wordpress is popular and reputable and of course yours truly has been inducted to the “WordPress hall of edu” thanks to ETEC 🙂 I think each blog has it’s niche and so I am not sure I can honestly compare all without exploring each at the same level.
I am however curious as to the re action of your students after their frustrations lead them to blogging discovery. How has blogging impacted their learning in your opinion?
Ifeoma
schiong 12:50 am on November 30, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi,
Sorry, I was not able to reply to this post earlier because it was only yesterday (Nov. 29) that my students submitted their blogs.
Based on what they submitted, I would say that they are excellent when they really like the topic of their post.
Most of the students talked about food. They presented/provided wonderful pictures and great information.
Deb Kim 9:04 pm on October 18, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Thank you for sharing your Moodle experience.
I use both Moodle and WordPress for my classes. The reason I like Moodle is just the same as what you pointed out in your post.
I like it because I can receive and see emails, generate quizzes/tests, and keep track of students’ work and marks. Also, students can upload assignments and do sample quizzes/tests. However, I prefer WordPress when uploading handouts and posting information, such as info and rubric for projects, lessons, and activities, on classes.
Deb