Blogging:
Fair and Balanced Information?
Objective: Students will be able to describe the definition and
nature of weblogs
Objective: Students will be able to explain how weblogs work,
Objective: Students will be able to discuss the influence weblogs
have on the information network
Introduction: The information and communication highway is being
repaved every year. Weblogs are a new aspect of internet communication. Sometimes wild, sometimes informational, sometimes
boring, and sometimes simply misleading, they are the Ham Radio of the
WWW.
Activity: Read the information from the following websites to
develop an operational definition of exactly what a blog or weblog is.
http://www.infotoday.com/lu/may02/conhaim.htm
Wikipedia Definition and History of Weblogs
Now that you have an idea of
what a blog is, read the sites below which discuss the influence weblogs have
on public opinion and policy.
Foreign Policy: Web of Influence
What's Radical About the Weblog Form of Journalism
Assignment: Write a two paragraph paper of 350 words.
·
The first
paragraph should give the definition of the terms weblog and/or blog, and
should explain how weblogs work.
·
The second
paragraph should express an opinion of whether or not weblogs should be considered
a dangerous or accurate source of information
Both paragraphs should cite
evidence from either the websites above, or addition websites you have
discovered.
Submission: Your paper should be sent as an attachment to the
instructor.
Rubric:
|
|
Unacceptable |
Developing |
Acceptable |
|
Content |
Paragraphs do not give a knowledgeable definition, or give
credible opinion with support from the sites |
Paragraphs give a definition and opinion with little support
from the sites |
Paragraphs give easily understood definition and opinion
that are supported with evidence from more than one site. |
|
Form |
Fewer than two paragraphs that are loosely organized with
no discernable topic or opinion |
Two paragraphs, but less than 350 words. Topics are not
fully developed in each paragraph. |
Two well formed paragraphs that total 350 words. Topics
are fully developed in each paragraph. |
Other sites:
Librarian Weblog: http://www.librarian.net/
Slashdot: News for Nerds: http://slashdot.org/
Robot Wisdom Weblog: http://www.robotwisdom.com/
Standards: This course activity addresses the following ISTE
Standards:
I.
ISTE Technology
Operations and Concepts:
Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding
of technology operation and concepts.
Teachers:
B.
demonstrate continual
growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and
emerging technologies
V.
Productivity and
Professional Practice
Teachers use technology to enhance their productivity
and professional practice. Teachers:
B.
continually evaluate and reflect on professional
practice to make informed decisions regarding use of technology in support of
student learning.
VI.
Social, Ethical, Legal, and Human Issues
Teachers understand the
social, ethical, legal and human issues surrounding the use of technology in
PK-12 schools and apply those principles in practice. Teachers:
D. promote safe and healthy use of technology
resources