I found myself to be in agreement with many of the things that were discussed throughout the first four chapters of Richardson’s text.

In chapter 1 (The Read/Write Web), Richardson points out that the web is extradinary in the sense that within minutes of an event, you can receive “gripping first-person accounts coupled with digital photos and video” (pg. 3).  As an example, he used the tragedy of the devastation caused by Hurrican Katrina in New Orleans in 2005 and how within minutes of the tragedy happening, the web was fluttered with raw detail that would not have normally been found in the media.  Considering how inquisitive Americans are to know specific details about any and everything, I agree with Richardson—-The web is a valuable resource of instant detailed information about whatever needs to be known.

I also agree with Richardson when he talks about the difference between how the older generations and younger generations are grasping the new technology that exists today.  As he pointed out, most teachers in today’s schools were not surrounded by technology growing up (pg. 7).  As a result, they may be slower to change their ways.  I can relate to this.  My 14 year old daughter uses her cell phone notoriously to send text messages to me throughout the day.  I get totally frustrated trying to uncode the “text language” she uses, and I get even more frustrated whenever I try to send a text message back to her.  So, I usually resort to just calling her.  As part of an older generation than my daughter, I am reluctant to adhere to all the text messaging that is the latest craze with teens, and I doubt I will change my ways. 

I was glad to see that Richardson made reference to the importance of keeping students safe and protecting their privacy on the internet. He talks about teaching students skills to navigate the darker sides of the Web safely and effectively.  I think this is of extreme importance, considering the raising statistics across America of adult sexual predators who use the internet to pick out thier juvenile victims.  Richardson made it clear that the first step teachers should take is to be sure to get parental permission, prior to publishing material by juveniles. I will definitely remember that, as I enter into the profession of teaching.

I developed a better understanding of the importance of blogs, after reading Chapter 2. Richardson states that blogs give people an opportunity to conversate as well as reflect, and they engage readers with ideas, questions, and links (pg. 18).  Blogs demand interation, and that is fascinating to me.  I also found it useful to read about how blogs are a great way to manage and communicate knowledge that is created in meetings, dialogues, and the sharing of relevant information.

Out of all the chapters read in Richardson’s text thus far, I found chapter 3 to be the most beneficial to me, because it gave such great details on how to get started with this whole blogging process.  After reading this chapter, I gained a better understanding on many things, such as the importance of starting small, how to appropriately blog with students, blog safety and protection, and great step-by-step instructions on how to blog. 

I had to read Chapter 4 (Wikis) twice, because it just did not seem to register in my brain well the first time.  After reading it twice, I began to better understand how wikis can facilitate a collaborative environment for students to teach them how to work well with others and create knowledge as a group effort.