The Pros and Cons of Blogging for Adult Learners
There are many similarities. Both are housed online. Both have the opportunity to share thoughts, opinions and ideas. Let's ponder the dark clouds (or cons) in the blue sky first, then savor the sunny sky (or the pros), shall we?
The Dark Clouds
In any situation, one must explore the concerns that arise in an online learning environment.
The main difference is some discussion boards, like some you might be used to, are housed behind a password protected and moderated fortress that allows for privacy. In contrast is that this blog, like many others, are open to the public to access. While etiquette is followed on an online learning environment such as a discussion board ("Netiquette", 2019), one cannot be so sure of those that may stumble upon your musings out in the open of the world wide web.
Concerning legal issues, such as plagiarism, the net is an easy place to copy and paste from one online source to another (Oravec, 2002), and without a person present in front of you during an online exchange, one cannot be too sure that some online predatory behavior might not take place (Witte, 2007).
Another issue that educators might face is the implementation of blogging as a learning instrument augment traditional learning experiences so that it will not interfere or hinder the facilitation of learning (Santos, 2011, p.18). In other words, much planning has to be done on the part of the educator to make sure that the experience is complimentary rather than detrimental to the learning experience.
The Sunny Sky
Moving on to more positive observations for the world of online learning, specifically blogging, one of the main benefits of blogs is the sharing of ideas and information.
Oravec (2002) observed that blogging not only allows for access to sharing information, but creates discipline in the learner and reinforces the volunteer spirit of the internet. It allows for one to raise their voice and allow others to react and share with them.
In Santo's (2011) observation of blogging related to Engagement Theory (Relate-Create-Donate), blogs allow learners to engage in learning activities that allow for interaction and worthwhile tasks. Giving learners room to collaborate, feel purposeful and unique, as well as allow for the democratization of information dissemination as everyone has a chance to present their perspectives in meaningful, intellectual exchanges (Santo, 2011, pp. 16-17).
Clarifying expectations and the relevancy of the work to the learner is also very important (Witte, 2007). Without clear guidelines to what is expected learners might take it upon themselves to use the blog as a place to socialize rather than stay on topic. Having clear expectations can lead to meaningful exchanges that lead to learning in an environment that is "not boring school writing" (Witte, 2007, p. 92).
A blog is also an area where educational and reference information can be shared more easily, as well as a tool for shaping public opinion and demonstrating expertise (Clark, 2012). A blog can create an opportunity to share information that one might only be able to access by going to a library and taking a book off the shelf. By relating what we have learned, and where we learned it, "book learning" can live on with a new life.
Many people, as well as organizations, use blogs as a tool to shape public opinion. Whether it be good or bad, we can admit that such a platform is a ready space to be able to exchange ideas. That said, it is also important to be discerning about what we read, making sure that facts are present and there are credible references to accompany.
As for demonstrating expertise, as long as your work is rich and thoughtful, one's work can be seen as reputable and respectable, and garner a good following (Clark, 2012). This can help shape someone's own thoughts, change someone's mind, but also allow for easy sharing of the source of content.
Discussion Boards versus Blogging: Final Take Aways
Both discussion boards and blogs have their place in online learning. There are pros and cons to both, and for discussion boards, aside from the sharing of ideas, it is a place where netiquette is expected to be observed.
Although there are "dangers" out there to blogging, such as possible plagiarism, and potential predatory behavior, there are many benefits to allowing the learner an opportunity to share their own unique voice, to collaborate and contribute. As long as expectations are outlined and relevant sources are referenced, there are many opportunities for positive experiences and learning opportunities through blogging.
References:
Clark, D. (2012, December 21). If you're serious about ideas, get serious about blogging. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2012/12/if-youre-serious-about-ideas-g
Kansas State University. (19, March 6). Netiquette. Retrieved from https://global.k-state.edu/students/courses/netiquette/
Oravec, J.A. (2002). Bookmarking the world: Weblog applications in education. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 45(7), 616-621. Retrieved from K-State Online: https://k-state.instructure.com/courses/73658/files/8679717?module_item_id=1602559
Santos, A.. (2011). Blogs As A Learning Space: Creating Text Of Talks. Contemporary Issues in Education Research, 4(6), 15-19. Retrieved from K-State Online: https://k-state.instructure.com/courses/73658/files/8679725?module_item_id=1602560
Witte, S. (2007). That's online writing, not boring school writing: Writing with blogs and the Talkback Project. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 51(2), 92-96. Retrieved from K-State Online: https://k-state.instructure.com/courses/73658/files/8679715?module_item_id=1602561
Great post with several well thought out and researched ideas. I would like to add to your discussion about Santo's (2011) Engagement Theory. Carter (King and Cox, 2011, pg. 92) discussed how blogs enhance communities of practice by allowing peripheral engagement and role modeling until the individual is confident enough for full time participation. Blogs can be instrumental in developing adult learners in this forum because they are primarily self directed learners (Knowles, 1985, as cited by King and Cox, 2011, pg. 91). In reference to the prompted question though, I believe discussion boards offer these same learning opportunities and take away the downsides of intellectual theft and misuse.
ReplyDeleteResource:
King, K. P., & Cox, T. D. (2011). The Professor’s Guide to Taming Technology. [Kindle PC Version]. Retrieved from Amazon.com.
Chaser,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the insight, and I agree that discussion boards are a more controlled environment. After this course if we were to continue with our blogging activities there would be no one to monitor our work aside from all those other people out there that might follow us blindly believing we are experts or those that might take it upon themselves to "troll" our blog to provide criticism, feedback or not follow "netiquette". In the closed, discussion board environment, there is more observation in guidance and support from colleagues and classmates who will know if we are using sources correctly or will be checking them.
JaiMenon,
DeleteI loved the information and fun words that you used to talk about discussion boards and blogs for the adult learners. :) I would have to agree that there are pros and cons to using both platforms. However, I think both benefit the person who is not comfortable with the traditional classroom setting, discussions and blogs both allow for the learner to process and then contribute. (King & Cox, 2011).
I think the big take away for me was the netiquette.("Netiquette", 2019)in our closed discussion boards, when we are discussing ones views and thoughts, we must be respectful, and like you mentioned, on the blogs, I do believe that there will be those ones with a negative attitude and not so nice words!
Thanks again!
References:
King, K. & Cox, T. (2011). The professor’s guide to taming technology. Charlotte, NC: Chpt. 1, pages 8-11
Kansas State University. (19, March 6). Netiquette. Retrieved from https://global.k-state.edu/students/courses/netiquette/
Thanks Starblogspot!
DeleteI like the point you use from King and Cox (2011) about allowing the learner to process and then contribute. I think that there is something inherently introvert about that process. As an introvert I need to observe, reflect and then provide my thoughts. That is hard to do in a face to face conversation where topics can change rapidly. In a discussion board or a blog spot one can take their time and contribute when they are comfortable. I also believe anonymity helps in that area as well.
Thanks again!
One of the very reasons I took online, I need to hear, read, and maybe do before I can process and spit out an answer. Very reason why I took longer to get my first blog posted and getting my responses in!! Still working through all the information!
DeleteThe dark clouds vs. sunny sky …… good analogy!
ReplyDeleteI feel that a theme is emerging from this threaded discussion and that is “who has control does affect adult learning”….. If adult learners have control over who have access to their learning (issues of privacy and netiquette), where to learn (online discussion board, blog, or traditional classroom settings), how to learn (relate-create-donate, sharing, community of practice), they will benefit the most.
So, I echo what you all said that discussion board and blog both are good learning tools if planning is done correctly and expectations are clearly articulated. But wait, whose expectations and whose plans? Learners? Instructors? Or, else? Whose voices should be heard? Will answering these questions help separate discussion board and blog apart?
Just a thought.
HK
HK, I think you're putting your finger on the sore spot, here. JaiMenon starts the conversation down this path when she says, "... it is...important to be discerning about what we read, making sure that facts are present and there are credible references." Which raised these questions in my own mind:
Delete1) Should I assume that the adult learners with whom I work are already able to do that?
2) Wouldn't it be presumptuous of me to assume that they cannot?
3) Is it even my responsibility as an adult educator to help learners I work with know how to do this?
4) If it is my responsibility, how do I tell which of the learners I work with already possess these skills, and which don't? and, finally
5) If it is my responsibility, how do I go about help adult learners develop these skills?
JaiMenon & HK, thank you both for bringing this issue and these questions forward in this conversation.
Best
--Les
Thanks HK for digging deeper and creating a new perspective to consider! Both venues (for lack of a better word) can have very different expectations. A discussion board activities are usually initiated by the instructor and the learners share their perspectives and continue to facilitate the conversation, many times with oversight from the instructor.
DeleteWhen taking a leap to a blog, where things can be public depending on what settings you manage, if any, one has the risks of being losing privacy, being "trolled" or have negative experiences. While the blog posts are in a way still facilitated by an instructor in this case, many times there is a running theme for a blog. I do not have any experience outside of this initial posting, but I might believe that others that have blogs establish ground rules so that those participating know what is expected and what is not acceptable. In this case the learner can establish the expectations and plans outside of what is already established "in class".
Whose voices should be heard? This is something I think about a lot in my work. I also think about where those voices are, and if they really wish to participate.
So anyway, concerning whose voices should be heard? On a discussion board, all those that wish to participate in discussion, learning and growth. On a blog, all those that wish to participate, transfer information, want to learn and grow. I suppose in a way there is not much difference although the blog is open to a larger audience, with more anonymity, that has the potential to participate...
And Les, I like your questions. In my work I have mentored many people across generations to learn technology, and I have to navigate a lot of nuances to be able to make sure that I am respectful. I say that because everyone deserves respect as everyone possesses their own unique skills and knowledge. What I do not want to do is make anyone feel on the spot, called out or embarrassed. I want them to have a positive growth experience at their level of comfort. I suppose that I feel that I am responsible to assist, but only when they are receptive or reach out.
Again, thanks for your insight HK and Les!
Jaimenon - I really enjoyed the structure and style of your post. One of the many things I prefer about blogs over discussion boards is the unique voices that come through when the writer has ownership of their platform.
ReplyDeleteWhat struck me as I read both the dark clouds and sunny skies was that many of those could be seen either way. The silver lining to the dark cloud (I couldn't resist!) regarding open access to the public is the number of new ideas you might otherwise have missed. Especially for blogs that gain a following, there will always be the negative "trolls" who are rude or offensive, but there are also people across borders who can respond with their own unique perspectives not bound by time. Discussion boards close after the course is over, but these posts will live on forever... or until we take them down.
In addition, I know many educators who teach the same class in the same way year after year. By throwing in a new element of technology that requires them to craft lessons and structure the course with great intention, they are learning and growing in new ways as well.
I also believe there is a dark side to the level of individuality that a blog gives you. As I sat down to create my page I carefully chose colors, layout, and background format. I created an introductory post before my first formal post. I felt like my page was unique as was my "excited and nervous to be here!" comment. I later visited some other pages, like yours, only to find a similar structure, layout and introductory post (just with a little different color and spin!). As I read through some of the pros and cons shared in our group and others, I find that many of my ideas have been repeated. That's a great thing, it makes me feel like I am on track, but what happens to my unique perspective when I realize it's not all that unique?
I wonder how many bloggers in a certain space, educational or other, find that there are other voices with similar thoughts and ideas in the oversaturated blog market. Does what was once a positive place to stand out turn into a dark cloud?
Really enjoyed your post, and your comments. I agree with so much of what you shared - particularly the fear of predators in an open, online forum.
Look forward to your next post!
KLM
Thanks KLM! I always appreciate full circle comments (silver lining!)!
DeleteYour statement concerning individuality in thought and expression in blogs sometimes not being so unique resonated with me. I found much of the same. Working through the effort of making things look and feel personalized, then to see so many similarities in structure and then to have repeating perspectives was comforting, but now you have me thinking about the reflection of individuality.
"What happens to my unique perspective when I realize it's not all that unique?"
While it feels good to have others share your opinion, I think that you have hit on something very interesting. It is all about perspective, which you have shared a different vantage point. Does it feel comforting or does it feel a bit like individuality is dispelled? Maybe a little of both.
The one thing that I will say is that the informality of the blog feels like an adventure as well as an opportunity to learn something new with colleagues.
I appreciate your words and I look forward from learning with/from you KLM! Thanks again!
Jamie, good point about the netiquette and the level of discipline and respect that is inherent in the instructor facilitated discussion boards that we are used to. Even though this is only the first week of blogging, it already feels much more relaxed and informal as compared to the discussion boards, which is a perfect segue into another good point you make about learners who “might take it upon themselves to use the blog as a place to socialize rather than stay on topic. While this likely won’t be a problem for the motivated, self-directed learners in our class, I can see it easily becoming a distraction is larger classes with a younger audience. There’s also a certain level of anonymity that goes along with blogging. Use our screen names for example, and look at mine, versus yours, versus Elliot’s. I had to go back and look at our discussion group just to devise which student was “Chaser”. Vonderwell (2003), considers this a good thing, where online communication creates a sense of anonymity which may cause increased participation from shyer students (King & Cox, 2011). However, this also makes it much more appealing for cyber bullies and those who don’t take this as seriously as we do. I think you much less likely to encounter that type of behavior in discussion boards, and if you do, it’s much easier to hold people accountable.
ReplyDeleteKing, K. P., & Cox, T. D. (2011). The professors guide to taming technology: Leveraging digital media, Web 2.0, and more for learning. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Pub.
Thanks Jake! I agree that a discussion board does give space for learning that can be free of bullying as accountability is inevitable.
DeleteAnonymity definitely does open a door for those that are more introverted, I can say this from experience. In person I rarely participate and do a lot of watching and processing. The online learning environment has allowed me to learn in my own time, reflect and respond. Not only that, it has made me more confident in in person interactions, which seems hard to believe but is true. Having something concrete, such as the text typed on a discussion board and the interactions that come from it, allows me to take the time to read over things to fully understand them, and feel confident with my replies. Because I have been able to retain information better by having the time to process it, it becomes easier for me to reference in face to face interactions.
Thanks for your insight Jake!
Again, I have to agree! I love that I have the time to process the information, especially when it is a knew topic for me, and I know that I am WAY outside my comfort zone! I really need to think about the information being presented and the best way to respond so that others understand what I am trying to say. I can be very wordy, and make it hard for people to follow, so I am also working on that as well.
DeleteA lot of learning and a lot of changes!