Don't Feed the Trolls: Using Blogs to teach civil discourse

Richardson, K. (2008). Don’t feed the trolls: Using blogs to teach civil discourse. Learning & Leading with Technology. 35 (7), 12-15.

This article demonstrates the importance of utilizing blogs in education, which is an application I will certainly bring to the classroom. Given the current trend of students having the desire to be digitally savvy, it is important to teach the proper etiquette to blogging, which will positively affect their civil discourse both in and outside of the classroom. Students will not only have the opportunity to review the rules, but they will also have a chance to practice the rules, ensuring that self-monitoring skills are being utilized. The big underlying message that Don’t Feed the Trolls conveyed, which will constantly run through my mind in the classroom, is that, “Civil discourse forms the foundation of a democratic society.”

Rationale for Educational Blogging gives some insight to blogging in education; it is extremely helpful, as it sheds light on some advantages of educational blogging that are not so obvious. Blogs have the potential to redefine meaning of voice for students; they provide an avenue for the exchange of opinions, while giving students recognition from those who read, and the chance to interact and collaborate with others.

Rational for Teaching. EduBlog Insights. http://anne.teachesme.com/2007/01/17/rationale
for-educational-blogging/