Blog Journal 5

   Diigo is a great resource that I wish I could have utilized earlier in my educational career. My initial thought about it was that it was very unnecessary, because I thought it was just a app that added to the things we could already do. For example, if I find an article I can print it or screenshot it and just annotate or highlight things on it myself, by hand. But the extra element that Diigo adds, is the ability to share those annotations or comments with others. I think this is extremely beneficial because if you're on a time constraint and you need a reliable resource that you may not have the time to read about, then Diigo can offer some that your peers in the same area or field have annotated and given tips about. Diigo minimizes the amount of time spent on an article because we can now get the main ideas and examples from those who previously read them.

   When it comes to blogging, I really did not care to do it because I am not someone who resorts to writing or always reflecting on things that going on throughout my day, so it was a slight adjustment. It is growing on me because it does serve as a way for you to evaluate things in your own time and on a deeper level that you wouldn't have time for in a classroom. It is helpful in learning because now we are forced to not only pay attention in class but to apply it to the blog and give your opinion, which fosters more thinking. I like that the blog is very open, everyone is sharing their ideas and because I am not a very extroverted person it offers a middle ground for talking or interacting with people I would not normally interact with.
   Through blogging I have learned, for one, how to use and set up a blog, as I've said I have never done this before and it is very new to me. I've learned how to respect other people's want to remain anonymous online, in our class some blogs do not have names and so we really do not know whose blog is it. At first I was confused as to why it mattered but I've grown to respect their privacy and it is kind of fun not knowing who everyone is online.

   In my future classroom I plan on incorporating a lot of resources that allow students to get at home help, especially if they came to class and did not understand the material. I would specifically incorporate the use of Instagram live. Instagram is a social networking app where users can post photos and videos about their lives, family, or anything they desire. There is this great feature called Instagram Live, where one can stream a live video for their followers to view in real time, the viewers can comment and interact with the subject. There is then an option for the feed to be saved and played back later. I would incorporate this during the day to record my lectures or lessons and to allow my students who may be at home or traveling to easily access the information. Since this is an app that can be downloaded on virtually every device from cellphones, to tablets and computers, accessibility should not be too big of a deal. I feel like Instagram is so widely used that it will be easy to navigate and access.