Is blogging the same as a discussion board activity for an SDLer?
Self-directed learners develop goals and standards for themselves (Grow, 1991, pp. 10) in a particular manner that allows required content/material to become more effectively understood. Therefore when presented with the question, "are blogging and discussion boards the same?" both platforms hold many similarities including the allowance for self-expression and reflection on varying topics. The difference, however, I think is the nature of the platform and intended use, as discussion boards serve as an exchange of thoughts with other individuals, formally for teacher-guided educational purposes. Blogs, thus, allow for optional comments and content from one individual or team member for personal or other reasons with less guidance/more relaxation on topics of their choice. Navigating from discussion boards to a blog may be difficult for many individuals, including myself in response to incorporating personal reflections that are less formal/informative.
As follows, blog-based activities further allow self-directed learners to expand their thinking, essentially, an expansion of their "knowledge base" (Bush et al.,2019, pp.274). Through writing and reading blogs on presented topics, learners obtain new or different strategies and information about industries, professions, cultures, and identities that assists in knowledge expansion. Such information may also create re-evaluations of thought processes and new mindsets. Coincidingly, blogging increases "understanding, awareness, and the need to address change" (Bush et al.,2019, pp.277) as a result of self-reflection by creating a foundation within themselves that is receptive to attaining knowledge and contribution from others.
Blogs also serve to expose learners to "different perspectives to broaden their world view" (Pettigrew et al., 2015, pp. 1028). This world is interconnected with an abundance of diversity, therefore, commonalities between individuals are evident. The implications and experiences encountered, however, will differ from one another. All of these may pose difficulties in comprehending because perceiving systems outside of our experience levels is beyond our set radius' or worldviews. Thus, the ability to read an abundance of blogs from creators/learners and one's blog provides greater insight into how individuals experience differences throughout their daily lives. As a result, we begin to appreciate the differences that others have written about and acknowledge the multiplicity of cultures/identities. Perspectives then start to evolve, different approaches to life are undertaken, and complexity within the world is valued.
References
Bush, S., Seibel, M.,
Corkins, C., & Elliott-Engel, J. (2019). Evaluating the Virginia
Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results (VALOR) program: Blogs as a reflection
process. Journal of Agricultural Education, 60(1), 268–282.
https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2019.01268
Grow, G. O. (1991).
TEACHING LEARNERS TO BE SELF-DIRECTED. Adult Education Quarterly, 41(3),
125–149. https://doi.org/doi10.1177/0001848191041003001
Pettigrew, S., Archer, C.,
& Harrigan, P. (2015). A thematic analysis of mothers’ motivations for
blogging. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 20(5), 1025–1031.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-015-1887-7
In describing the process for self-reflection, Bush, et al. (2019) explain that a blog is short for “web log”, or a journal that is on the web. The authors go on to describe these journals as an opportunity for individuals to express themselves. If you’ll allow me a moment for honest observation, I can’t say that I have much sense of who you are from the initial blog post. It may be that we are alike in feeling some discomfort about blogging and exposure, as the post reads more like a formal report or discussion post without the personal touches often associated with a journal or a blog.
ReplyDeleteYou’ve noted that both discussion forums and blogging allow for self-expression and reflection, but I’m not sure I fully understand the differences you stated. If blogging is required for class, and if responses are also mandated (instead of optional), then is there any difference?
Bush, S., Seibel, M., Corkins, C., & Elliott-Engel, J. (2019). Evaluating the Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results (VALOR) program: Blogs as a reflection process. Journal of Agricultural Education, 60(1), 268–282. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2019.01268
Adding personal reflection is definitely an aspect of blogging that I need to work on because I am used to formal discussion forms and analyzing the topic as a response to my HDFS background and conflict analysis background, where self-reflection is not generally typical in most writing. I will add more in the next posts! In terms of the differences that I stated, those were more directed towards blogs in general, not alluding to the mandated responses for this course/educational purposes because most personal blogs are generally for themselves!
DeleteOnly intended to observe that there wasn't a self-reflection aspect- if you didn't feel comfortable including it, then I respect your choice! For myself, personally, I have been quite uncomfortable with the assignment. That's what prompts me to ask- if the advantages of blogging are that they are intrinsically motivated forms of self-expression, and if learners have the option to post/comment... isn't that defeated when it becomes mandatory as part of a course?
DeleteI apologize for the lack of self-reflection, blogging is new to me!! I will get better in time!
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't think you included what we come to expect as standard self-reflection, your post represents where you are in that process and I think thats ok! I appreciated the structure I'd your blog post and think most successful blogs find a balance with the two.
DeleteHello! I loved your comments about blogging helping learners explore diverse perspectives. Blogging helps to open up learning and communication to endless possibilities! People can communicate with individuals from different countries, people who bring a wealth of knowledge about their culture and background. Technology and blogging are great platforms for all perspectives to meet and grow. I completely agree though that moving from a discussion board to a blog can be difficult for learners, including myself!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your perspective!
Kelly Ann, I agree with the comment on the transition from discussion boards to blogging could be complicated for some. I also spent most of the week understanding hoe to navigate it all. Understanding the pros and cons was somewhat simple. But how to transition between the two was more difficult then expected. The expectation of a normal blog is different then the expectations of our requirements in the class. Our blogs are more formal and discussion board format because of the expectations of the course. If we were running our own blog it would be more personal and focused on personal experience. I really enjoyed reading your response.
ReplyDeleteI also really liked how you explained a blog to he like a portal to another person's world - and specifically the limitations that come along with that. Often we can look at another person's experiences but it takes a lot more effort to step out of our own perspectives ans into theirs - if we even can. Recognizing the limitations in understanding the nuance of blogs that are cross cultural or outside if a niche we inhabit, is really important.
ReplyDeleteEven just thinking about how we all are digesting this content... imagine how disconnected someone clicking through and finding any of our blogs at random would feel with the context that we all share as a group.
Thank you for your post and I look forward to your next installment. :)
Nice job with your blog page! It is very visually appealing. I am hoping to tweak mine a bit while we are doing this class. This week has been an especially busy one for me. Anyhow…
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement “Navigating from discussion boards to a blog may be difficult for many individuals, including myself in response to incorporating personal reflections that are less formal/informative.” I really felt this too. I have the tendency to be informal and just plain “goofy.” That is my personality, even as a “director” at age 42. I continue to try to maintain an open mindset that I can learn from anyone, any age! So that we are all willing to try, even if by request of our instructor, is a great way to learn. Now, that could mean that we learn we like or dislike blogging.
I like how you pointed out about blogging, “As a result, we begin to appreciate the differences that others have written about and acknowledge the multiplicity of cultures/identities. Perspectives then start to evolve, different approaches to life are undertaken, and complexity within the world is valued.” As we all have learned, background matters in someone’s attitude and how that person approaches learning. Your post led me back to some texts from other courses that may or may not be helpful. It was a good reminder to me how useful our texts are because quite honestly, I don’t ever recall going back to any of my undergrad texts for information! Here goes…
Wlodkowski & Ginsberg (2017) note that “Attitudes powerfully affect human behavior and learning because they help people make sense of their world,” and they go on to say that, “attitudes can personally be helpful…or can be personally harmful… Our attitudes constantly influence our behavior and learning.” (p. 90-91). My attitude about blogging was just plain “ugh!” when we were asked to do so. However, after our readings, I have changed my mind a bit about it. And actually, I feel a little more freedom to insert my personality into blogging vs. discussion boards, where I feel the need to be more professional. Also, I always try to keep this in mind when interacting with learners in my program. When they come to an adult literacy program coming for help, it is humbling for them because they have reached a point in their journey when they know there is no way around being illiterate anymore and they need help. Each one has had their own struggles, and that will affect their attitude. If we can try to identify those past challenges and develop a way to help “connect the dots” for and with them, it can make all the difference. And I have to admit… being required to do this blog connected those dots for me.
Merriam and Baumgartner (2020) also remind us that “cross-cultural relationships allow us to be exposed to different ways of thinking and being in the world” and that, “educators need to be spiritually and culturally grounded in order to promote authenticity in students. When we are authentic and open to experiences, transformation ca occur” (p. 179). I think this reference also reinforces what you posted in your blog. Just being aware and mindful of each other’s backgrounds will go a long way for us in how we teach others, and how others receive our input. This is true for both blogs and discussion boards.
Hopefully, my post to you is helpful and encouraging. I know this phrase has become cliché with the advent of COVID, but “we are all in this together!” And I appreciate how we get to express this in each our own ways in our discussion posts and blogs.
Merriam, S. B., & Baumgartner, L. M. (2020). Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive guide. Wiley.
Wlodkowski, R. J., & Ginsberg, M. B. (2017). Enhancing adult motivation to learn: A comprehensive guide for teaching all adults. Wiley.
Thank you so much for your post! I found it to be very helpful and encouraging! I really appreciate it and how you extended the importance of acknowledging background differences! Coming from having educational backgrounds surrounding trauma and lifespan development, I try to incorporate that aspect in all that I do because it greatly impacts learning and everyday living.
DeleteHi Kelly, I appreciate your response here and completely agree with you. I really like the similarities and differences you highlighted between the two platforms. I agree on the "intended use" being different for each one. I believe blogs allow for more of the learners' personality to come through and them to get creative on their posts. As you touched on, they are not for everyone. I myself as a learner struggle on tasks that are not spelled out and leave room for creativity, I like to have guidance and guidelines to follow. Blogs all for those students who are more self-directed and creative to thrive.
ReplyDelete