Published by Joan Oladunjoye on the 6th of September 2024
I have experience teaching computer science in both public high schools and private schools, including special needs schools that cater to students on the autism spectrum. One key lesson I learned from reading “The Use of Blogs in Education (2003)” is the value of blogs as an educational tool.
Blogs provide students with a platform to express their thoughts, reflect on their learning, and take ownership of their academic journey. This is especially beneficial in special needs environments, where students have diverse learning styles and needs. Blogs enable differentiated instruction, allowing students to engage with content at their own pace and focus on topics that interest them.
In my experience teaching students with autism, I’ve seen how critical it is to accommodate different learning styles. Blogs offer students who may be less comfortable with traditional classroom discussions a space to explore and analyse subjects on their own terms. For students on the autism spectrum, blogs provide a structured yet flexible medium for communication and self-expression, helping build digital literacy and social skills in a supportive environment. Blogs effectively bridge formal and informal learning, enabling students to explore computer science concepts creatively while improving their writing and critical thinking skills.
On the other hand, a conflicting lesson arises from Weller’s 2008 work on “The Adoption of E-Portfolios“. While e-portfolios offer a comprehensive way to assess student skills, they can be challenging to implement and maintain. In a special needs school for example, the technical complexity and time required to manage e-portfolios may be overwhelming for both students and teachers, particularly when students already struggle with organisation and time management.
Moreover, the focus on digital portfolios may conflict with the need for more traditional, manageable forms of assessment that are easier to use in a busy classroom. This tension highlights the challenge of balancing innovative educational technologies with the practical realities of teaching, especially when working with diverse student populations who may not benefit equally from such tools.
References: Weller, M. (2020). 25 years of ed tech. Athabasca University Press.
Hi Joan,
Your perspective on utilizing blogs in education, especially in special needs settings, is engaging and practical. The adaptability of blogs as an educational tool aligns well with the diverse learning needs of students. I have wanted to utilize this as an activity for a long time, and now I have the opportunity. The ability for students to reflect on their learning and express themselves in a structured yet flexible medium is a powerful way to support individualized learning.
Until reading this book, I could never envision how blogs could bridge the gap between formal and informal learning, allowing students to engage with concepts creatively. This personalized approach can be especially beneficial for students who may find traditional classroom discussions challenging. I have a new perspective on blogging and cannot wait to start experimenting with my grade 12 career preparation class.