The Article:
http://teachingtoday.glencoe.com/howtoarticles/blog-basics
Prior to writing about how teaching and blogging can be used together I must first write on what blogging is and how it works. A blog is a web tool that allows people to self-publish text, pictures, links to websites, and much more content. Blogs are very easy to use because they require minimum technical knowledge and are quick and easy to create and maintain. Not only can they be used for fun and with no specific reason but they can be used by teachers to create a classroom that extends beyond the boundaries of the school building.
The article I read gave so much insight on how to use a blog in (and out) of the classroom and what basic functions a blog can sever as an educational tool. The first basic function is classroom management. A blog can be used to inform students of class requirements, handouts, charts and pictures of a topic, notices, homework assignments, and even be used as a question and answer board. The second use for blogging as a teacher is to provide space where teachers and students alike can develop better writing skills with the advantage of an instant audience. Teachers can give instructional tips and help their students while out of the classroom. Thirdly a blog opens up the opportunity for great discussion between classmates and the teacher. Everyone can express their ideas and opinions and network and conference with on the blog. Lastly blogs protect students work as a digital portfolio. As students realize their work will be published they will be motivated to produce better writing and less likely to copy someone else’s work.
I believe that teaching through the technology of blogging is a great way to communicate with students and provide a powerful tool outside of the classroom. I do think the students must be in older grade levels, such as grades 6-12 (Middle school and highschool) to really benefit from a blog and to use it to it’s fullest potential.
I can see myself as a teacher using a blog to post homework assignments, post pictures and data on things we are learning in the classroom, provide discussion boards to ask questions and receive answers from students, and answer students questions on any problems they are having with assignments and grades.
I attached a link below to a 7th grade classroom “math” blog and how they use it regarding math outside the classroom.
http://verity7math.blogspot.com/2005/04/linear-patterns.html
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4 comments:
I support your idea of limiting blogging to students in grades 6-12. At that age, yes still a bit nieve, they have a better idea of what should and should not be shared online. I also like how you touched on the idea of how blogging is used outside of the classroom and as a way for the students to keep up-to-date on assignments and when they are due and ask questions that they may have. It is commonplace today for each class to have their own web page thatstudents can access at home. Seeing a blog as a digital portfolio of their writing abilities...excellent thought!! They can see how their writing has improved over the course of the school year.
-Jennifer Z.
I think that it is a good idea that the blogs stay in grades 6-12. They use the computers more than the elementary schoolers do so it is a great thing for them to use the blog. The blog is a good place to keep all of their assignments in one place.
I think that is a great idea to use blogs to improve writing skills. Blogging is a great way for people to get creative and when people can respond right away, I also think that might put people on the spot. I also agree that blogs would be best for 6-12; however, I also think that it would be nice if the younger children could learn to use blogs too. Maybe they could also so some sort of creative writing that would fit there level. What do you think?
I think that blogging could be used with any age, not just limited to grades 6-12. Blogging could help to improve typing skills, writing skills, and just general computer skills. I think that younger children should be supervised at all times on the computer anyway, so with a parents supervision, it is a great idea to let any child do school work and disscussions though blogs. I also think that teachers should make it a part of their curriculum to teach internet safety starting at a young age. This may help with some of the concerns parents and teachers have when sending a younger child into the open internet.
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