USES OF BLOG SPACES

Post an idea for how you might use a blog in your classroom.

Using a blog is fairly new to me.  It is not very popular as an educational tool at my school or on my island.  So, I believe that it could be used as a journaling tool.  It could also be used to showcase students work or to encourage creative thought.  This could come in various formats, written or in the form of drawings, audio or other creative pieces.  Students could also use the blog to post videos (authentic) that they created.  It could have a feature for questions and answers on content related issues.  This could provide an excellent avenue for peer teaching and interaction.

What purpose would the blog serve? Is it a place for students to interact about content? Is it a showcase for their work? Is it a place to share learning with the larger community?

My blog could have multiple facets.  As noted earlier, it could provide an excellent avenue for students to interact about content as it could encourage positive peer interaction.  Students could learn from students and their teachers simultaneously.  The idea of showcasing students work is something I truly advocate.  This would provide an excellent avenue for doing so.

Although it may be a good idea to share learning with the larger community, because I am relatively new to blogging, I think I should hold off on this initially.  Richardson (2010) cautioned teachers to not only be familiar with any technology they use, but also advocates safety for students and users of the facility.  I have a lot to learn with reference to how to protect use of the service, so for my and their protection, I would probably not allow open access in the initial stages.

How does using a blog enhance the lesson? Include your grade level, content area, and your rationale as to why a blog is a good tool for the instructional context.

A blog enhances a lesson because it provides a new and different way of learning.  Students are fascinated with cyberspace and the internet and what it has to offer.  Providing this avenue will help to peek interest.  It could also provide for a differentiated learning experience.  We could even provide an option for ELLs on our blog space.

I generally work with students in grades 9-12.  I am a business teacher.  The world of business has become so technologically biased that this blog space would provide excellent practice for students.  My students are mature and are experience internet users.  Most of them have their own social networking accounts and they use them frequently.  It would provide for excellent contextual learning.