Introduction to blogging
Being that this course would be half of my introduction into
the HESAL program and my doctoral studies I was plain nervous on what this
class could be. Coming in to this course, I truly only knew that this course
would cover current issues in higher education. I was somewhat excited about
getting up to date again on current issues but really had no idea what that would
look like. I did not know what this would entail. Then I received the syllabus
in my inbox and realized I had to blog. Blog? Really? I had never blogged and
the idea was foreign to me. What would I blog about, who would read it, what
would it mean? Why were we doing it? And
we had to write a letter to the editor and a memo. Why were these ideas
relevant and how did they relate to current issues. Little did I know they were
great ways to get current, relevant, and concise ideas out to an audience.
When I got to our first class and we worked to set up our
blogs I would have to say I was less than thrilled. I was still not sold on the
idea of blogging. I did not quite understand it and I had trouble simply
logging on – I was frustrated. I know this was mainly because I did not
understand the medium and had little knowledge on how it worked and could
enhance our class – especially due to the size of the class. I now realize that
blogging and this use of technology is a great way for large group to share
ideas and learn from each other.
As the semester progressed blogging became somewhat second
nature. I found a rhythm to go about completing my blogs and found myself on
some days excited to get to my computer to blog about a current issue I felt
was relevant and that my peers should consider. I challenged myself to find
articles and issues that were a bit off the beaten path and hoped to really
provide a blog that challenged my understanding of issues and hopefully that of
my classmates. I also sought to post in varied blog topics. I would admit this
was not easy for me especially when it came to the topic of ‘For Profit’.
The excitement did sometimes fade as I was challenged by the
sheer scope of keeping up with the blogs and how quickly the amount changed
from day to day. I knew that each of us would be completing nine blogs but still
the sheer amount generated and varied topics within each heading were
unexpected. As I got used to the blogs more and became accustomed to the medium,
I again found a rhythm. One part of the
blogging that I had trouble keeping in check was responding to comments. When I
first saw this in the syllabus, I really did not give a second thought as to
how this would affect my topics and comments. But it did, I made an effort not
to respond to some comments to prevent a back and forth and on occasion found myself
passing on a topic that I felt may not be received well in the blogosphere. I
also found it surprising that on occasion find myself bothered with comments or
lack of support for my view when I thought what I blogged on was relevant and thought
would be supported. Then I realized that this is the risk and purpose of
putting your ideas out in the blogosphere.
I am most proud of the following three blogs:
Reflect on blogging experience and how it contribute to
the class
The blogging experience for me as I reflect was enjoyable,
difficult and yet I think has made me a better professional. The blogging exposed
me to various ideas and responses to topics that I would have never considered since
I tend to focus on my research interests. I am also appreciative of the medium as it
allows those of us (me) who need a bit more time to process our thoughts and
information the space to do so. I truly enjoyed having the time to pick a topic
and take the time to develop my ideas and thoughts so I was able to state the
issue in quality words versus quantity of words.
I also think blogging contributed to the class by allowing
space for multiple perspectives to be shared – something I do not think happens
enough. Although, on occasion the blogs became repetitive I still thought the
multiple perspectives added to the class. Often we have issues we wish to
express our thoughts on and are sometimes cut short due to it having been done
but I think the blogs allowed us to express our issues and that contributes to
the class understand more of the whole issue rather than the perspective of
one.
Blogging also contributed to the class by allowing unknown
interests to be piqued. For me I really did not think I would find topics to
cover in the blog topics selected. I thought that it would be a struggle but
the blog topics allowed me to seek out current issues in varied areas and on
occasion I found that I had an interest in
a topic I was not aware of or that it connected to an interest I had but I had not
thought about it from that perspective.
Finally, I think (and surprise to me) that our discussions
in class and on breaks stemmed from our blogs. Our blogs connected to our
readings and I found my small groups often would mention a blog topic and we
were able to see it fit in our readings. I saw the ideas of mature markets, neo
liberalism and other reading topics pop up in conversations and blogs. It may
have been planned but for me I originally did not see this connection forming. From
our constant battle with the clock in class on discussing topics, I was always
surprised to see how much time a small group could spend on a particular topic.
The small groups based from blogging allowed us to further our comments and perspectives
on current issues, which contributed to a large part of our time in class.
In summary what I learned this semester
I have learned more in this class than expected. I know this
probably sounds terrible but really, when I thought of current issues I simply
thought we would discuss a current issue and move on. I had no previous experience
with the formal study of current issues so to me I figured read a current book
(within 5 years or so) and move on. However, I am thankful to say that not only
did I learn about current issues and how to link a word to a website but, I learned
about my colleagues and classmates. I learned about myself and how I think
about current issues and where most of my responses come from. We all have
experiences that bring us to respond and post on certain issues and I am happy
to say I am getting better with the idea that what I think and express is not always
the popular response or thought process. For me I learned you can challenge a
popular issue and not lose credibility – I think.
I have also learned from our readings that our systems are
not as simple as I previously thought and the issues we are facing are not only
what we have faced before but they are complicated and intertwined with each
other. What we see as a crisis may be due to a mature industry or perceived
mature industry. The articles show us that social welfare is intertwined with
higher education and that our history has much to do with it. From the new deal
to the shift away from a welfare state with Regan. I have learned that public
policy beyond just that of specific education policy affects us.
From class I have also learned that I have a community of
scholar I can seek out to discuss current issues and that learning a new technological
medium takes time – more than I expected. Social mediums such as blogging can
really have a profound effect on how we can keep up with current issues.
Blogging allows a way to express ideas now – not in a year when your article is
accepted and published. I know from keeping up with the Chronicle that I have
found at least one blogger that I intend to keep up on.
Finally, as a lifelong learner I have realized I am also a lifelong
student and my voice matters. As I wrote in my notes from class – the student
voice matters, it changes higher education and blogging or technology for that
matter is a new way of expression and dissemination of knowledge in a short, concise
and meaningful way.
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