One of the most prevalent uses for blogging that I come in contact every day is are blogs written by news columnists and political cartoonists. It seems that any regular contributor to a newspaper, magazine, or even broadcast news outlet consistently updates some sort of blog. One of my favorite such sites is Daryl Cagle's Political Cartoonists Index. While primarily a site that collects current political cartoons, there is a great blogroll on the right side of the site where contributors take the opportunity to both analyze trends in political cartoons and have discussions on topics relevant to what cartoonists are drawing about. One of my favorite current posts is by Will Durst, called "Trickle-Up Economics." Here, Durst comments on the current "Class War" debate that was started with President Obama's introduction of the "Buffet Rule." I have to agree with Durst's conclusion that perhaps Obama should fight the rhetoric by using terminology like "trickle-up economics."
Such blogs, I think bring to mind two ways blogs could be used in the social studies classroom. First, students could start their own RSS feeds (of both liberal and conservative columnists) and follow a couple columnists' views throughout the school year. The other use I see is having students contribute to a class current events blog, where they themselves have the opportunity to synthesize news stories and commentary.
Both of these uses offer a couple of challenges that I have already identified. First, students will need lessons on bias and editorials in order to help them understand points of view and the difference between opinion and fact. Second, students would need a strong background in how to cite sources - perhaps such a blogging assignment would be best done in coordination with their English classes.
I must have done something right since your blog showed up in mine.
ReplyDeleteWill you add an RSS feed to the class blog, too: http://edtc625fall.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteSorry I didn't think of that earlier. This way, you'll also be updated when I post to the class blog.
Thanks!
I made a mistake discussing politics in my class a couple years ago. I make it a point to get the class talking about some political issue and then argue against the general point of view of the group. (I like to remind them that they will be eligible to vote in four years.) One parent did not hear that I argue against everyone and was upset, claiming that my classroom had become a "bastion of liberal indoctrination", a phrase I have heard used to describe colleges.
ReplyDeleteYour suggestion that students read both liberal and conservative columns is a good one. It has the same goal as my activity in that the students see arguments from both sides and make up their own minds. Do you think reading and analyzing columns with opposing views is something eighth graders would benefit from doing?