We start by taking a brief look at journaling. In the past diaries were a part of growing up, especially for girls. Today, we have access to the diaries or journals of Ann Frank, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Charles Darwin, and many others. We know more about the time period from their personal viewpoint than from that of historians. Often historians interpret what they find and put their own twist to the story. This isn't possible when you get the scoop from the proverbial "horse's mouth".
Early American history was gleaned because many of our early explorers kept journals of their work and explorations. The journals of John Muir, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and John James Audubon have given us opportunities to learn about their journeys and their personal interpretation of what they saw at every step in their journey. They give us an accounting of the life and culture that surrounded them and they do it in an unbiased and personal way. Without their journals, what they encountered would be lost. Their journals also provided us with an opportunity to view the new landscape through their eyes.
Early American history was gleaned because many of our early explorers kept journals of their work and explorations. The journals of John Muir, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and John James Audubon have given us opportunities to learn about their journeys and their personal interpretation of what they saw at every step in their journey. They give us an accounting of the life and culture that surrounded them and they do it in an unbiased and personal way. Without their journals, what they encountered would be lost. Their journals also provided us with an opportunity to view the new landscape through their eyes.
Now in the era of electronics "blogging" is the craze. Blogs are set up to disseminating and individuals ideas. There seem to be blogs about everything and many people are getting into the act. Although newsletters, newspapers, magazines, and journals are still fashionable, blogs have few restrictions limiting access or distribution. Cyberspace it limitless.
No matter what format is used to account one's personal thoughts and insights, the result is an artifact that tells others how the writer perceive the world. For the individual writer, the process gives them an opportunity to share their thoughts on the day the idea was generated.
The public nature of blogs gives a wide readership an opportunity to share their thoughts and through comments allow the writer to determine whether to expand or make changes on what was written. We, as readers, can in turn inspect their thinking and align or contrast it with ours. The blog provides a collaborative interaction between the writer and their readership.
No matter what format is used to account one's personal thoughts and insights, the result is an artifact that tells others how the writer perceive the world. For the individual writer, the process gives them an opportunity to share their thoughts on the day the idea was generated.
Not all personal writing is for the public's eye. Some of my personal journals are kept private. Premature ideas for projects, thoughts about individuals, and research ideas could be judged as incomplete thoughts. What these writings do is provide an insightful, well articulated plan of action. Know that these plans may be put to action only when the time is right; that time may be several years from the time that the words were put on paper or in this case--code.
When a blog post is made, the writer hopes to receive feedback from an interested audience. The writer wants more than just "it's good", "never thought of that before", or "keep up the good work". The purpose of tje writer is to present ideas and then give readers a chance to express their ideas and extend the dialogue. Alternate or contradictory comments are good. They allow for a deeper inspection of one's thoughts, thus keep the conversation going.
Of course, the public arena is a scary place, but how else is one going to know that their thoughts are based on sound ideas and, as I said, don't include them until you feel that they are worth airing.
Of course, the public arena is a scary place, but how else is one going to know that their thoughts are based on sound ideas and, as I said, don't include them until you feel that they are worth airing.
Bloggers must re-read their own posts and the comments posted by those who care to respond. This self-inspection allows the writer to re-think ideas. Without an external audience, the brain of the writer receives little input. Worthy ideas are created through disequilibrium, a term used by Jean Piaget, which notes that when we think of an idea that changes our paradigm, we feel discomfort.
Writing helps to soothe the discomfort. I've heard that from many who pen their experiences.
Depending on a person's viewpoint, life's experiences can be challenging. Their seems to be a calming feeling that comes from writing your thoughts about the good and bad in life. Initially it takes courage to place your feelings on paper, but once done the tendency is to continue to put more down. Each time you write you feel more complete.
Writing helps to soothe the discomfort. I've heard that from many who pen their experiences.
Depending on a person's viewpoint, life's experiences can be challenging. Their seems to be a calming feeling that comes from writing your thoughts about the good and bad in life. Initially it takes courage to place your feelings on paper, but once done the tendency is to continue to put more down. Each time you write you feel more complete.
Educators need to find a purpose for reflective thought. Without a sense of direction no one can expect to gain from spending valuable time writing. Do you write because you want to tell someone something? Or, do you write for yourself? These are important questions to ask. I recommend both.
Obviously, in a college course or program like this one that focuses on reflective practice, the instructor or program staff mandate the writing experience. However, if the motivation is extrinsic then more than likely once the course is over, the writing ceases.
Over the year, reflective journaling will become more than an assignment or something that has to be done. There are great benefits from writing down your thoughts and more benefits from getting them out to others. It is intimidating, but in a year you will wonder why you hadn't been writing.
In summary, blogging is thought to be a communication tool, while journaling is a tool for growth, especially with reflection added into the mix.
Individuals without technical skills may find blogging more challenging, but many blog sites are now easier to use. Information on how to start a blog will be made available, but actual writing will be for you to do.
Obviously, in a college course or program like this one that focuses on reflective practice, the instructor or program staff mandate the writing experience. However, if the motivation is extrinsic then more than likely once the course is over, the writing ceases.
Over the year, reflective journaling will become more than an assignment or something that has to be done. There are great benefits from writing down your thoughts and more benefits from getting them out to others. It is intimidating, but in a year you will wonder why you hadn't been writing.
In summary, blogging is thought to be a communication tool, while journaling is a tool for growth, especially with reflection added into the mix.
Individuals without technical skills may find blogging more challenging, but many blog sites are now easier to use. Information on how to start a blog will be made available, but actual writing will be for you to do.
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