I am still grappling with a mix of emotions, finding it hard to believe that the long-anticipated Orientation on Web3, the Hive Blockchain, and Hive blogging platform for the Grade 12 students unfolded on November 8, 2023, right here at the school where I teach. It still feels surreal and overwhelming!
Before we dive into the heart of the orientation, let me offer you a brief insight into the motivations and objectives behind this activity.
In this age of information and digital connectivity, students' interests and needs in learning also evolve. It could be seen that students are deeply immersed in the digital realm of social media such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube as their channels for expressing themselves and connecting with others. As an educator, I found this trend as a big challenge.
It was not long ago that I learned about Web3 and the Hive blockchain technology. Through my engagement with the blockchain, particularly in creating content and writing blogs, I've experienced the transformative power it brings. During this period, I noticed an evident change in my writing, an improvement, though I know there is still a big room for further growth and enhancement.😘
The Hive Blockchain brought my digital experience to the next level, an experience which contributed to my "self-efficacy" and a great innovation for me as an educator in this advent of the new internet revolution, the Web3. If the blockchain gives me this unique opportunity for learning and improvement, how much more, the young generation, my learners? With this, I see it as a responsibility to utilize and harness the potential of this technology to enrich my students' learning experience when it comes to writing.
Thus my Thesis study - Improving Students' Writing through Web3 (Hive Blockchain) was born. (chills)
From the transmittal letter approved by the school principal, the venue, the sound system, and the eager Grade 12 students, everything was set for the awaited Orientation Day.
The Day of the Orientation Proper!
We consider ourselves immensely blessed and favored to have these amazing two individuals who always free their time for us and generously share their knowledge and expertise about the Hive Platform every time we request one. And take note, they are doing it for free. Always doing it for FREE. So for this one-of-a-kind opportunity, to educate young minds about the Web3 and the Hive Blockchain, the speakers are none other than the excellent and devoted Hive people, @indayclara and sir @ybanezkim26!
The Orientation officially started at 9:30 with a National Anthem followed by a prayer. As you see, so far this is the most formal opening of the Orientation we ever have had about Hive. I know that the speakers also wanted to bring this experience to the next level especially since we are also in a formal setting, not to mention sir @ybanezkim26's formal white attire of which he really looks so good and distinguished.
The whole orientation from beginning to end went on smoothly. Thanks to @indayclara for organizing the matrix of the orientation which is:
10 mins Welcome address - Smile
15 mins Introduce ourselves - Kim and Clara
30 mins Web3 - Kim
30 mins Navigating Peakd - Clara
20 mins Rewards System - Kim
15 mins Do's and Don'ts in Blogging - Clara
15 mins How to improve writing skills - Kim
15 mins Advantages of Blogging - Clara
20 mins Q&A
Total - 3 hours
Right after the introduction the comprehensive orientation began right away.
Speaker's topic
With his expertise, knowledge and professor-like of delivering the topic, sir @ybanezkim26 was able to elaborate clearly and fluently into the simplest manner and terms as possible the intricacies of Web3 and the Hive blockchain. These terms are foreign and new to the students yet the students were able to grasp the topic effectively as it is masterfully conveyed by sir Kim. The discussion was tailored to the students' level of understanding, allowing them to grasp the topic effortlessly.
Sir Kim also discussed on the Reward System which sparks even more the motivation of the students to participate and join Hive. Furthermore he also explained on how to improve students writing through blogging. Sir Kim shared his personal experience and tips on how to enhance writing which for sure will be remembered by the students.
@indayclara focused on the technical side serving as a guiding light for students embarking on their Hive journey. She navigated the PeakD and discussed it to students how it has something in common with the other social media. She did it flawlessly!
The students were all ears when she elaborated the Do's and Dont's of blogging and the curation of the upcoming blogs. She also warned the students about plagiarism and spamming.
The two speakers @indayclara and sir @ybanezkim26 carried the orientation excellently. The orientation ended with the Question and Answer portion and a Photo Opportunity for all of us.
The Participants
The orientation was attended by 40 Grade-12 students and the four Student-Teachers. However, only 15 students will be selected through convenience sampling to have their Hive account (as stated in my thesis).
Surprisingly , after the orientation, there are almost 20 students who showed their interest and who are now writing for their introblogs! And yes you will meet them very very soon!
Theories
My study is anchored to several theories and approaches in teaching writing, few of which are the Process-based Approach, Social Constructivism, Learners Autonomy, Authentic Text and Digital Literacy. Do you have a suggestion? I would be delighted to consider them.😊
What to expect form the student-bloggers?
For the first two weeks of their blogging journey, I'd be providing writing topics and prompts for them to facilitate idea generation as they acquaint themselves with the platform. Following this adjustment period, they will transition to selecting and writing about topics of their own choice. Students' blogs will be assessed qualitatively for 10 weeks time. While the pretest and post-tets of students writing skills will be analyzed quantitatively. The writing skills to be assessed are align to to my learning competencies outlined in my Research Problem.
Challenges & Hopes.
I honestly have fears on whether I could carry on this study successfully considering the duties I have as a teacher, a mother and part-time blogger. However the promising effect of the Hive Blockchain to the improvement of students' writing and on how they can learn through reading and engaging other people's blog and get that sense of authorship in their write ups and how this platform already giving an edge to my students in the advent of the digital world gives me a full load of motivation to do my best and utilize the available resources there is to accomplish this study. Manifesting.🙏
Soon you will meet the student's bloggers. I pray that they will also have their amazing journey here on Hive. I believe that these students will soon speak and empower other of how wonderful Hive Community is.
I also thank the #OCD Onboarding Program for giving opportunity to the students to be part of Hive and to sir @ybanezkim26 and @indayclara for the undying support.🙏
That's it for this Orientation and a little sneak peek of my Research Study. I'll be more willing to share my Proposal once it is final. Your suggestion, recommendation, guides, ideas and tips is highly appreciated.
Thank you so much for reading. I wish you all safe and well always.
Don't forget to smile often!🤗😍😘