Thing #4

• What do you notice about the genre of blog writing in general?

I notice that blog writing is a lot like journaling, but now you get to share you thoughts and ideas with others making you feel important. I am not sure I am a fan. It just seems like a way for more overindulged people to express their overrated opinions further.

• How is blog reading different from other types of reading? How is it similar?

Reading is reading so in that way you can read a book or a blog. However it is different because to the unaware or uneducated you may make the mistake and take what someone blogged as fact and not fiction. Where as with reading books you usually know before you read.

• How is blog writing different from other types of writing? How is it similar?

I think that blogging seems to lead to trantuming and opinions that should not make it to the public eye. However, as my husband explained to me, some blogging is great for entertainment. So if you use it to entertain and maybe inform (if you are correct about your subject matter) it can be a lot like writing books.

• How does commenting contribute to the writing and meaning-making?

I think commenting can be good and bad. After reading about cyber-bullying I think that some comments can lead to this hateful action. However commenting can also lead to great discussion on topics that interest several people.

• Is there a "blogging literacy?" How does blogging affect the way we read and write?

I think so. As I read several of those blogs I had to train myself to read each in its own way. You can write a blog and add so much that you have to really follow what the person is talking about.

• How can blogging facilitate learning?

I think if an educator used blogging in the classroom is could be a productive way for students to peer edit or for teachers to help guide students with their work.

I really liked the Extreme Biology and Cool Cat Teacher. Check them out.