Could Blogging Improve Education?

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Stumbled across another article which is worthwhile a mention. To me, it is ultimately posing the question of whether or not Web 2.0 technologies could potentially aid a nation of substantially more intelligent people? A stab in the dark I know! Let me explain further:-

So, the article itself is from The Sunday Times, Sun 13^th Feb, the quickest way to find it would be to use the link India.knight@sunday-times.co.uk.

It is proposing the idea of how Web 2.0 benefits are ultimately improving Education, specifically in boys of a primary school age. It states:

‘One in eleven boys primary age leave school unable to read properly’, obviously as a result probably struggling to write also. This seems pretty shocking, could a new technology such as blogging really ensure these levels are one again increased.

I feel this really highlights how times are changing, the vast improvements of speed of internet access, it’s pure convenience nowadays, along with the almost ‘fashionable trend’ of using technology such as blogs resulting in learning through Web 2.0 based technologies almost making the ‘learning’ its self becoming ‘cool and fun’ even?

On another note, the article highlights the fact of boys struggling statistically specifically, why my this be? Do girls like using Web based tools less do we thing? Does this apply just to blogging or using computers generally? Moreover, if there are clearly are scientific improvements in Language and Literacy statistics through using Web 2.0 proven, how can we include the girls more? Not just a case of wrapping a computer up in a pink and fluffy box no doubt!

It also references about online lessons ‘officially introduced into the curriculum’ recently. I can’t help but too question is this too far? Could this actually encourage a total reversal in creating a decrease in physical social interaction, one of the most valuable life skills don’t you agree? There was a specific reference to not even the ‘snowy weather’ this Christmas stopped blogging usage, is this simply another reason to not bother with socialising outside ones home or ultimately ones bedroom? A little sad concept I feel.

To summarise, the article seems to be imply that basically all children want to be heard, but surely a world of Web 2.0 only communication and learning is not the way to produce a well rounded intelligent, socialy adapted human being.