In learning about blogs, I realized I am not taking advantage of this great resource in my classroom. I've really been missing the boat. I can see many uses for a blog and so many times we as teachers are concerned about budget (or lack thereof), but this is one tool that we can use and free of charge! In addition to being cheap it also serves as a connection between school and shall we say, "real life". A blog serves as an excellent communication tool. I can share with parents about lessons and daily learnings. As a parent myself I would value any additional information on what is occuring in the classroom. I could incorporate pictures and share stories each day and invite parents and other teachers to see what we are discussing. Blogs offer another means to interact and get parent involvement, which ultimately helps the children and makes my job easier.
Second, we use a journal today as a means for students to discuss daily assignments. As I learned in class, children become more concerned about grammer when they know others will be viewing their work. In addition, they will better learn to navigate through the internet and on the computer and improve typing skills. Most importantly it will act as a forum to share thoughts and interact and even collaborate with one another. Several of my students are already accustomed to blogs via Facebook, My Space, etc. and having an online journal via the blog will definitely excite and invigorate them!
I could see using an online blog to replace standard written essays. Not only would they be able to share their work with other students, but showcase their hard work for their friends and other family members.
In school today, their is less time to focus on opinions and not much opportunity for self expression, but a blog encourages these very important pieces of learning. I will use a blog to enhance the lessons by allowing students to document their thoughts and interact with one another, bringing the lessons to life by sharing real life experiences.
As a fifth grade teacher, I focus on math, science and social studies. I can see how a blog saves paper, time and allows a forum to give children a voice. I can only imagine the excitement when my students see that someone has posted a comment to their work!
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Wow! What an excellent point you make that I had not thought about. Students will be much more cognizant of their grammar if they know others are going to read their work. What a great motivator!
ReplyDeleteI think using a blog as a way for students to respond to lessons is a great way to let the students voice their opinions in a differnt way. This would not only allow self-expression, but it would help the students focus on grammar because they would want the words they wrote to sound intelligent.
ReplyDeleteIf you were to utilize the blog in your classroom, when would you allow the students to post to the blog? Would they do it in class during a free moment, or at home?