The End!

• What you learned about yourself as a writer?

   When starting the blog I thought that I was going to be horrible at it, however I thought it was a great idea. It was a place that I could write for class and possibly after class. I believe that this course has made an impact of how I write from here on out. I say this because this is the first course that I have taken like this and it opened me up to so much. I learned a few things about myself as a writer too. I learned that every writer is different and for some it might take a litter longer for one to figure out exactly what it is they want to write.

• What you learned about digital writing?

   As for digital writing, I have learned that it is a great way for assignments, and expression. I do not really like writing in class because I feel like I do not have enough time to think about what I want to say. Yet, with digital writing I have plenty of time to put my thoughts together. As for expression, I was able to use digital writing as a place for expression, and even though it is public I felt like I was able to use my experiences to help someone else.

• What lessons you can take to classroom or share with future teachers about integrating blogging into instruction?

    I would use digital writing in my classroom because I feel like the students will not be pressured to write in class or on a piece of paper. They will be able to use technology to turn in an assignment. I believe that students in middle or high school will enjoy having their own blogs, and they will be more likely to complete their assignments, especially if it is an open post. I believe this allows students to be creative and sometimes that is all they want to do, is to be creative. I believe every teacher should use digital writing with their students, even if it just a simple post. 

• Challenges? Successes

 The first blog was a challenge only because I did not know how to work a blog. Yet, as the time went on I found myself excited to write. I believe the use of the blog was a huge success, and I have thought about starting another blog.

Part 2 of Teaching Arguements

       After spending my break doing homework the last thing that I wanted to do was open this book again. However, once again I am glad that I did; I really enjoyed the second part of this book. The thing that I found myself interested in most was the fact that it talks about judgements and assumptions. Now, if you are like me I assume more than I like to admit, yet I still do it. The book explains why each one is important to not always go on what you once knew, but to be open to new learning experiences when it comes to new ideas. For example, on page 144 it states "Growing up, we accept the judgements and assumptions of others. Those views become our lenses for seeing and interpreting people, things, and ideas. All of us operate our lives on the basis on these views." As soon as I read this I started to wonder, how can this be changed? Well, it is how we are raised and what warrants guide our conduct throughout our lives. People will continue to make judgements and assumptions, which will lead to arguments or debates. Either way a judgment or assumption is one's opinion, and "the more serious the argument that the more likely definitions will use invoked and defended."

    Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it will be one that I hold onto. It has taught me more than I thought it would, and I look forward to using some of the ideas in my future classroom!