I really wish Marion had more time to write in her Web log because when she does she usually brings some really eye-opening insight on what we’re doing.
I hope the combination of TOS [teacher over shoulder] and RWC (readers with comments) will bring educators closer to achieving Vygotsky’s ideas of increasing the learning zone for students. In Mind in Society, Vygotsky says that the way to achieve greater learning is to combine problem solving activities with adult guidance or in collaboration with more capable peers. With web logs, educators have the opportunity to create a learning zone that unifies thinking and problem solving, adult guidance (teacher/guest experts), and peer collaboration. As this learning zone enhances a student’s writing voice in a space that can become like a portfolio, this allows a student to impact their digital identity as knowledge collectors and creators. The skills involved take students beyond the skills used in the IM world and might help them appreciate the importance of TOS and RWC. Appreciating POS [parent over shoulder] is another thing altogether. (Emphasis mine.)
I think that’s a very articulate description of the potential here. Our role is to create the space and show the way, preferably by example. (Teach blogs, write blogs.) There’s more to think about here…
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