ABB has introduced to topic of blogging in an easy langauge and an interesting way especially for those new to the phenomenon such as me..:) She identifies waht a blog is and some common terminology used e.g. “blog-o-sphere” etc … I, then just realized that I am a “blogskin”.

ABB defines “reflection” as a process of turning experience into learning and “reflective learning” as an intentional process, where social context and experience are acknowledged, … etc. I think she should have called this process as “spontanous” rather than intentional because this is part of our life learning curve. We tend to learn from our own and other people experiences.

In terms of the 5-stage module which represents the blogging process, the first stage “Establishment” is clear and this is what we have established out the 1st residential day. ABB mentioned that at this stage structured questions are provided; this is when I remembered that JP has given us some as a guide to contributions. I think this is an important part to get everybody started.

I was unaware of what to write about when I first set up my blog and wasn’t sure if I am actaully going to write for my self-reflections or to the outside virtual audience. This is where I stand at the moment; the introspection stage.

I think stimulus is a main factor in the process of the refelctive monologue and dialogue stages to keep students motivated throughout. Having no responses and feeling like writing for yourself could be putting off.  If I am posting for myself so why shall I do it online..!?

I think that I should be at stage 5 by now; responding and commenting on others posts. However, I try to keep up to date by reading posts on other blogs to get the feel for the blogging environment and the way it should work. Is it different from Blackboard?. if not, should it be?