Sick day blog

This weekend my dad told me about Meghan McCain's blog. Meghan is presidential hopeful John McCain's daughter. She is traveling with her father on the campaign trail and blogging about her experiences. So sitting at home sick on Tuesday, I decided to check out her blog. I initially thought it is a great behind the scenes look at the presidential race from one family's experience. But upon more reflection (thanks Priscilla and Dawn), I realized it was so much more.

It is a great example of the current young generation's usage of technology within their world. Several years ago, someone wanting to document life on the campaign trail might keep a journal. If they were really industrious, they might make a scrapbook including pictures, clippings, etc. It would be shared only with those closest to the creator. Meghan's "journal" is a complete multi-media experience. She includes video footage produced by a friend also tagging along, photos of scenery, the crew of people involved in the campaign, and the public, playlists of songs appropriate to the experience as well as personal favorites, links to other articles or items of interest, and blogs by friends and family filling in when she takes a break. Her experience is being shared with people all over the globe.

Not only that, but as a teacher, I can see the value of her blog in an educational capacity. First, showing students the strictly technological side of "look at what a blog can be." But second, I think it is a great way to get older students interested in the presidential race. Meghan's additions of pop culture (such as songs, makeup advice, and fashion commentary) make a somewhat dry topic such as politics more engaging for teens. And having read the entire blog, the most non G-rated element was the video blog where she was waiting for the results of the Florida primary and she said she was sitting in the hallway of the hotel drinking a beer. Pretty mild!

I'm only ten years older than Meghan McCain, but I am astounded at the ease with which her generation uses technology in ways that affect our world.

wiki-wiki

In Hawaii, there is a Wiki-Wiki shuttle at the airport that takes people from the main terminal to and from the gates if they choose not to walk. However, in all the times I have been to the airport either traveling or (pre-9/11) greeting friends, I have always found it easier to walk. I don't have to wait for it to arrive, no other stops, etc. Relating this to wikis, I've known wikipedia exists, but I've always found it easier to go to other sources for information. However, after learning more about wikis, I may be a convert. I can see the uses for wikis at many age levels. In my second grade class, I could envision setting up a page for each culture we study and at the end of the year having groups of students fill in info to recall what we had learned. When I was teaching fifth grade I might have used them to create study guides before big tests. The question is, next time I go to Hawaii, will I take the Wiki-Wiki? Hmmmm....

Using blogs with little ones

I like the concept of blogging and the many ways to use it in the curriculum. However, I have to wonder how successful it is with younger children. When I allow my students to journal write, I try to eliminate distractions such as correct spelling and perfect handwriting so they can get their ideas on paper as fast as they can think them. This eliminates frustration and allows their thoughts to flow continuously and freely. Because so many students have a difficult time typing quickly, I wonder if this would become an obstacle to successful blogging.