Is blogging the same as discussion board activity for an SDLer? In first considering this comparison, I did not expect there to be much of a difference. However, there is a considerable one. My mistake in this assumption was that I had never been exposed to blogging. The two predominant differences that stand out are self-directed learning and creativity. Merriam and Baumgartner (2020) state that the assumption behind much SDL research is that "learning in adulthood means becoming more self-directed and autonomous" (p.155) The blog adds more elements of self-direction and autonomy than the discussion board. One of these elements is the freedom for creativity, from choosing a theme to adding photos, videos, or links. There is a whole dimension of creation, end-product, and independence because there is ownership. Oliver and Coble (2016) discuss how "blogs can be an excellent balance between the rigor and structure of a formal written assignment and the freedom to experiment with ideas and arguments" (para. 5).
The research on blogging has shown multiple benefits. Bush et al. discovered three themes (expanded thinking, competency development and interconnectedness) and four sub themes (change, self-awareness, networking, and affiliations) while concluding that blogging is a "useful tool for exploring reflective processes" (p. 278). Blogging for older adults has promoted a sense of satisfaction, personal growth and purpose, being more creative, using imagination, learning and improving ICT skills, contributing to the welfare of others, relational, cognitive, and identity benefits (Celdran et al., 2021).
Use of blogs in teaching has lead to higher perceived learning (Garcia et al., 2019) and a solution for self-directed learners because when they learn to use personal learning environments, such as blogging, they can take control of their learning, choose to learn anything, and then be able to share and teach others (Haworth, 2016).
Hear Vanderbilt teachers discuss how and why they have chosen to use blogs in teaching:
As for my personal experience, this is literally my first blog. However, I chose to come into this with an open mind. I am 47-years old, so technology does not come naturally. My foray into blogging started with a list of terms I have never dealt with--robot tags nodp, noindex, crawlers, gadgets, etc. I took a deep breath and moved on to pick a theme and follow the set-up directions on the video. I believe we must be uncomfortable to grow and learn, so I am determined to keep going, learn more, and get as far away from this as possible.
So far the research is holding true....blogging is expanding my technology, and the creative aspect, while I wish I had more time, was an interesting and fun added dimension. While I may not have all the technology pieces figured out, there is a sense of accomplishment that I have my blog up and running, and my first post published.
Please share with me your thoughts on blogging, whether you are a seasoned blogger, or a beginner like me. Which of these benefits have you experienced? Is there a benefit to blogging that I didn't mention?
References:
Bush, S. A., Seibel, M. M., Corkins, C. R., & 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. http://dx.doi.org.er.lib.k-state.edu/10.5032/jae.2019.01268
Celdrán, M., Serrat, R., Villar, F., & Montserrat, R. (2021). Exploring the benefits of proactive participation among adults and older people by writing blogs. Journal of Gerontological Social Work. Online first. https://doi-org.er.lib.k-state.edu/10.1080/01634372.2021.1965688
Garcia, E., Moizer, J., Wilkins, S., & Haddoud, M. Y. (2019). Student learning in higher education through blogging in the classroom. Computers and Education, 136, 61–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2019.03.011
Haworth, R. (2016). Personal Learning Environments: A Solution for Self-Directed Learners. TechTrends, 60(4), 359–364. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-016-0074-z
Merriam, S. B., & Baumgartner, L. M. (2020). Learning in Adulthood: A Comprehensive Guide. Jossey-Bass.
Oliver, K. H. and Coble, R. R.,(2016). Teaching with Blogs. Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching. https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/teaching-with-blogs/
Sharing your vulnerabilities with technology and the blog is very helpful for me as well. i agree. I am an older self-directed learner and this is my first opportunity blogging. Your personal perspective on the differences are very similar for me. Merriam and Baumgartner (2020) clearly show how the self-directed learner grows from the autonomous nature of content and learning with the use of blogging.
ReplyDeleteI found the following comment very interesting and accurate even though it may seem counterinitiative. Blogging for older adults has promoted a sense of satisfaction, personal growth and purpose, being more creative, using imagination, learning and improving ICT skills, contributing to the welfare of others, relational, cognitive, and identity benefits (Celdran et al., 2021).
Blogging and the emotion of engagement for older learners matters. I hear from our older students that they learn through the content and delivery of our courses but also through interacting and the meeting of people. The social aspect of the training seems as important and certainly seems to make a connection to the motivation to learn for the SDL.
I would not have guessed that your blog was your first. I still remain impressed with how well you creatively presented your point.
DeleteFor me personally, out of all the listed benefits I am hoping for improved technology skills, using creativity to design each blog, personal growth and the sense of satisfaction that I am actually making it through this process. :)
Hi Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI will be candid to say that I was not excited about blogging for this class. I know how to do it, but haven't for a long time. So I grudgingly made the blog, read the research that was sited and got everything up and running. At first I really was not seeing much difference between blogs and discussion boards -- for this class. I think both have the benefits of blogging -- reflection, connection, etc. Blogs to allow you to connect beyond the class borders however. So the connections that you mentioned can be greater. I also have spent quite a bit of time this week looking at academic blogs because I was having trouble thinking about writing in an academic way on a blog as most blogs I have interacted with are personal thoughts -- more like a diary.
But I am coming around! I loved hearing your thoughts about how you are learning and creating and having fun. It is inspiring to me!
I so appreciate your honesty!
DeleteThere does seem to be a big difference between the educational blogs and the life blogs. I think there is probably more enjoyment and personal fulfillment in the life blogs but there is a purpose and benefits in each.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts on this weeks topic of discussion! It is great to hear that you are embracing this experience, with it being your first time trying out blogging. I definitely can relate that when my first post was published, I felt a sense of accomplishment. I think this partly has to do with the fact that anyone in the world can come across this blog post. Whether it is just our classmates, or someone from across the world who is interested in the subject, the reach is incredibly far. One of the benefits I have noticed in blogging is definitely the creative aspect. While we can certainly have great discussion in a discussion board through CANVAS, we have no room for customization or individuality other than through our words. Blogging allows us to create an aesthetic that matches our goal for the topic. I have a little bit of experience blogging, but I certainly wouldn't call myself a seasoned blogger. I am mostly new to this journey as well. I look forward to reading more of your posts! Thanks again!
I agree about the creative aspect. I have to admit once I got past the basic set up for the blog, the creative design part was actually fun. I am very visual so having images with each blog is definitely an improvement from the discussion board.
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