Argument against Blogging in a specific Curricular area based on Clarence Fisher's Commentary

Although I will not deny that Mr. Fisher has a great point about blogs being an innovative way to “invite other people to know our lives,” as a source of global unity and to educate others about our lifestyles and cultures, I am concerned about the safety, privacy and security in doing so. Although, I believe and understand that the education system would only intend that the use of blogging in the classroom to be in the best interests of expanding our students learning abilities and knowledge; it is still a means of technology that needs to be treated with utmost professionalism and caution. It is important for our students to be cautious of what they read, remembering that blogging is a matter of opinion and not always fact, which emphasizes how important it is to teach our students how to critically evaluate sources of information on whatever the topics may be. With that being mentioned, it is also important that our students are very aware, conscientious and cautious of all aspects of blogging, in regards to the advantages and the risks before using such technology. However; I feel it the privacy aspect of blogging which has me feeling a little uneasy about allowing our students to openly be “inviting others into their lives,” or even to include it in a particular curriculum area in the classroom (as mentioned in this website). As a teacher, I feel it is highly important to take the necessary safety measures to ensure the safety of our children when using blogs as learning tools. It is key to first have parental permission granted before students engage in blogging. I also believe that building a blog that only allows the admittance by students in the class is another action which can be made to ensure the safety and security of our children, like for example; I enjoyed the structure of the Web CT discussion forums that I have had the experience to work with in other classes I have taken. I like how you are able to discuss classroom topics and issues with other students in the class while using the technology; yet, you are not having to worry about who else in cyberspace (or who has access to the internet) may be accessing the classroom discussions or topics, and may be interpreting or internalizing the information posted differently or out of context then it was intended. It is just that blogging can sometimes have unpredicted consequences in politically or culturally responsive areas (as described in the section on 'blogging consequences' in this article). Let’s take a Grade 3 Social Studies class for an example, which focuses on “Connecting with the World,” as illustrated in the Alberta Curriculum. It makes sense that the content would be appropriate for what Mr. Fisher saw as beneficial way to include blogging as a tool for students to connect with other people and lives. With such a topic, I think it may be best that the teacher, should be demonstrating the use of blogging and its benefits in exchanging information between cultures or persons (as seen at http://balla.ecsd.net/) as oppose to the student. And yet, I feel there could be many other useful tools or resources that may be highly effective and utilized for Grade 3 students and their focus on connecting with the world using technology (take a look at some examples, here: http://www.blackgold.ab.ca/ict/Divison1/grade3social.htm). Now, I don’t think blogging is a negative tool in any means for education; I just think it is important to carefully evaluate how blogging will benefit a particular grade level curriculum before ever using it blindly. If there are more advantages or good from blogging that can be used to help effectively teach a lesson, then by all means, use it. Just make sure you have carefully and thoughtfully made a positive argument for it. Thank you.