blogs

can post cultural autobiography: tool to get to know more about students and can adapt lessons to better pertain to them

Jeff P, Alex H, and Melissa B

• Instead of the basic journal format to begin the class, this is a wonderful way to allow students to reflect upon class concepts without using valuable class time.
• A negative, however, is this is public. With that said, there is a chance that students may be hesitant to fully express their opinions in this (very) open environment.
  

Why to use a blog in the classroom

• Discussion/Journal entries about a particular text that was being read in class
• Appropriate reflection on the classroom experience
• Sharing of resources
• Different reading assignments - ex. Character imitation blogs throughout the novel
  

Why have blogs in the classroom?

-if students need to ask questions about a class they missed or something that was discussed, they can get on the blog and post their questions for other students to answer.
-have ongoing discussions about texts or topics happening in the classroom.
-have ongoing discussions about topics happening outside the classroom that students should be aware of.
-teacher can post homework that was assigned that day that the student might have missed.

What to use a blog for in the classroom

• practice journal writing or newspaper writing
• discuss a current event
• use to debate a current issue in society
• creative writing
• weekly journal entries
  

Blogs in the Classroom

In a utilitarian sense, a blog is great.  You can use it to comment on problems the class is having over all, you can use it as a place to further define assignments, and maybe even so far as to post information about assignments.  Particularly for the last one, parental access would be great.  Not that I suspect my students would be anything but perfect, but it would definitely provide some oversight.

I think one could also use a blog to talk to the class, talk about poetry, redefine ideas, etc.  It would be a great place to further discussions and enhance knowledge.

why bog for class?

offers individuality and identity, where someone cant edit your blog. Oppertunity to put out ideas asap, in the moment. American ideal of voyerism without revealing oneself.

Possibilities for a Blog

• Students have ability to express themselves more freely than with GoogleDocs.
• People are able to respond, not replace your writing.
• Students can keep a reading journal online, rather than on paper. Gives teacher ability to respond quickly.
• Less formal than hand-written work.
• Can be used a bulletein board for students and parents.

Martha, Kristina, Liz, Alex

Why and how would you use a blog in the classroom?

• allows students to use another form to submit their work
• book discussions
• continuing class discussions OUTSIDE of class
• discuss with students all over the world
  
• shy students
  

Just getting started...

I'm at it again... sending you an invitation for yet another on-line experience. I'm curious to see what kind of purposes we can put a blog to. Thanks for joining!