Recently I was involved in a conversation about the role of blogs and the value of blogging in our district. As the use of blogs and wikis expand throughout education, many questions are being asked. The use of Web 2.0 tools in schools is a known entity to some, but blogs are still of questionable value, or just not understood by many people. I started thinking about all the benefits that I see.Benefits for students:
1. Authentic audience
2. Encourages pride in writing
3. Motivates students to think and question
4. Encourages students to share
5. A finding place for ideas
6. Opportunity to express ideas and opinions
7. Better communication with teacher
8. Can learn tips about reading and writing
9. Improves vocabulary
Benefits for parents:
1. Better home/school communication
2. Can be involved with child's education
3. Can interact with teachers and students
4. Helps to know assignments, expectations, and homework
Benefits for teachers:
1. Sharing of ideas
2. Reflect on craft
3. Converse with peers
4. Meet and connect with educators
5. Showcase students' work
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Posts
7 comments:
A few teachers at the High School and Middle School are blogging homework assignments. Students are coming to school with the homework done! I think that is a positive use of the blog. You can see them here, http://www.loganelm.net/teachers
Mr. Tomlinson
Mr. Tomlinson,
Thank you for the comment. You make a great point. If having homework posted on a blog helps students get it done, that is reason enough have a blog.
Mr.McGuire i think that that little video on why we should have a blog is useful.
If a parent gets on and says i do not want my child to get on the blog anymore because of the bad influence that people are putting out on post!! Well maybe the video will help them change their mind because there is some really good examples on that short video. The reason i think that the video is good is because i never thought of how blogging would help you like that. But to come to think of it that way we should use the computer more often.
I like blogging. You can learn a lot. I wish we could do all the time.
I love this particular post. It really hits home with the importance of blogging. Thanks for your comment about the student interns. I am hoping the shift will continue. We'd love for you to check out our classroom blog at http://kellyhines.wordpress.com
I have never used blogging in my classroom, however, I am taking a course in integrating technology in the classroom. One of my assignments has forced me to experiment with blogging. I never expected to have a reaction so positive to this form of technology. The video posted showed me ways that blogging can help achieve that never would have crossed my mind had I not seen it. With blogging, my students will have a world of knowledge at their fingertips. It must give them such pleasure to read a post from someone halfway around the world. I can't wait to use this feature in my classroom.
Kristin,
I hope you enjoy the response as much as I do. Being able to highlight students achievements to the world is a special treat for a teacher.
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