If we can identify career-focused blogs in our students' fields of study, the students can learn more about what it is like in the "real world." I would envision having them write weekly summaries of what they have read, responded to, and if their responses were responded to. These summaries would be turned in to teachers or posted on our intranet for other students to consume.
Once we got the feeling students were acting constructively, we could dip our toes into private blog territory, in which we see only each other's blogs. We could invite some hand-selected professionals to join our private universe to read and respond. If that went well, I could see the benefit of opening our blogs up publicly. Though my students are college age (i.e. legal adults), I favor anonymous posting. The college is acutely aware of the permanence of students' online footprint, and would want students to be able to explore and learn without worrying about sullying their future employment prospects.
Here are a few blogs I've found that have potential for student use:
Office Professional: http://www.theofficeprofessional.com/wordpress/?prod_abbv=top
The Professional Assistant: http://www.theprofessionalassistant.net/
I hope to find blogs suitable for future entry-level employees of these fields:
- Accounting
- Administrative Assistant
- Computer Helpdesk
- Computer Programming
- Computer Network Manager
- Graphic Design
- Hospitality (Hotel)
- Legal Secretary
- Medical Assistantant
- Paralegal
- Travel Agent
I think it is important for anyone seeking a career to become online savvy. It is important that the students learn how to write in a way that enhances their employability.
ReplyDeleteI think your ideas about students weekly summaries of their readings would be helpful to each student. They can share their learning and I think sharing helps people learn other perspectives, which in turn helps make people better at their jobs.
I like your ideas about sharing information among all concerned.