A blog assignment is the culmination of our study of
technology generated discussions. This
mode of communication allows the writer to direction the discussion through
focused posts. It makes use of threaded
discussion as the style of response.
Email Discussions,
once the latest new technology, has now been ingrained into everyday use. It is a quick and easy way to maintain
contact, and share thoughts and ideas.
Smart phones extend the usability that was previously limited to a
computer and keyboard. Primary concerns
are centered on it not being a security, privacy, spam, viruses, and a bogus
sender.
Threaded Discussions
are a popular style of communication for on-line classes. While it is a good way to ensure students
share ideas and finished pieces of work, it does stilt real dialogue because
responses are often days apart. Once an
assignment and comment criteria is met, few students return to the posts to
continue the discussion. Also, since
discussions are written and public, they appear to be more sterile than those
that take place within a classroom. However,
they also allow time for the responder to be more thoughtful. Threaded discussions used in this capacity
tend to be set up for a limited audience.
Therefore, fears of “stranger danger” can be eliminated. Facebook also uses threaded discussions as a
means of responding to a post. One of
the better features of FB is the ability to eliminate one’s own comment or a
comment appearing on one’s own wall.
