Using the blog as a research diary as an assignment for a music class
By, Amy M.
http://www.sciencedirect.com.lesley.ezproxy.blackboard.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VCJ-4YRHCND-1&_user=1075869&_coverDate=09%2F30%2F2010&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000051322&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=1075869&md5=70fe6e525d2162eb76204a937d72b580
This article presents using the blog as a research diary as an assignment for a music class. The author presents a critical and useful evaluation of the blog in academic settings. Concerns of the blog's casual tone and spontaneous nature are fully described and well discussed. Positive aspects of the blog reported are; the ability of thinking out loud or thinking in writing, similar to brainstorming, reflective opportunities in review of the blog, peer and social learning, and ability to view the subject from multiple vantage points (Chong, 2010).
Now as I write, I sense the permission for casual-ness that the blog allows, however keeping a blog as a research diary or reflective research journal for myself, has been helpful for me in coming to some conclusion regarding my evolving research topic. I also plan to use the blog as an assignment for a senior thesis course that I'm teaching this fall. I'm looking forward to seeing, visually the students thinking and to the ability to offer them feedback immediately and throughout the course in this medium. Amy
References
Chong, E. (2010). Using blogging to enhance the initiation of students into academic research. Computers & Education, 55 (2).
doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2010.03.012
I completely identify with both sides of this coin-- or I feel it as conflict anyway-- the idea of using a blog as a research tool and the reality that it is a more casual approach to research. Why do I have this inner need to formalize research and keep it out of the casual, journal environment.
ReplyDeleteYou mention that blogs can give us "the ability of thinking out loud or thinking in writing" which is sometimes how I write a paper, but it still needs lots of editing and cleaning up before it can just get turned in. I wonder if part of blogging is the lack of emphasis on editing, and the excessive emphasis on real time, spontaneity, and immediacy. What was so wrong with mulling the idea over for a bit-- maybe on the plan ride home.
I feel that it is this less editing (due to the availability of immediacy and the lack of emphasis on editing) that creates a casual attitude around blogs. I certainly sense a difference rather than writing, printing and submitting papers.
I think it is awesome that you may use this as a tool with your students- as an assignment. I look forward to your findings!