Innovating Professional Book Discussion Through Blogging: Teaching Candidates Exploring 21st-Century Learning

• In Event: Roundtable Session 95
  In Roundtable Session: Research on Integrating Technology in Preservice Teacher Education

Abstract

Although teaching candidates report that they know OF blogs, many have not used this tool and often do not see the relevance to their teaching. It is not enough to know about the benefits of blogging through instructional technology courses. Exploring and applying these tools in the context of literacy practices are important experiences for developing 21st century teachers that will design and innovate classroom practices. In this study, a professional book club format becomes a context for exploring and experiencing the interactive and communicative power of blogging in a graduate content literacy course. Results indicate that blogs are contexts for connecting new learning, collaborating among participants, reflecting on experiences and values, and evaluating practices, beliefs, and policy mandates.

Author

• Sandra M. Webb, Georgia College & State University