I am a little overwhelmed by the vast number of ways one could use a blog in a classroom setting. I appreciate Richardson’s (2010) comment when he stated, “the best way to fully understand the potential of Weblogs as a teaching and learning tool is to become a blogger (43).” This is my first experience with blogging and I am thankful for the opportunity.
I teach fifth graders. I teach most of the core subjects: math, English, literature, spelling, social studies, and religion. As a novice blogger, I think I would first use the blog for my students to interact about the content. I like the idea of providing a thought-provoking question and having the students respond with an answer; not only to the question, but to respond to two or three other students’ responses. It would allow everyone to share, everyone to be heard, and a chance to disagree or agree appropriately with their peers. Sometimes in the classroom we run out of time or the shy student does not always speak up; this allows all students to be a part of the conversation.
I could also initially use it as a place to once a week post a student’s work and let other students see and respond to the piece of writing. It would provide feedback and encouragement to the student.
Initially, I would have them post and respond to my blog. It would give the students a chance to have educational conversations outside of the classroom in a setting that would interest them because it is technology. Blogging presents a world of opportunities.
Reference:
Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
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ReplyDeleteRenee,
ReplyDeletelike you I am overwhelmed with the different ways in which blogs can be implemented into the classroom, and was also at a loss of how I wanted to use blogs in my class.
The ways you intend on using your blog will definitely allow for more student-student interaction, and allow you as the teacher to be more of a facilitator. This method also allows you to identify, the students which are having a hard time comprehending the information.
The fact that as a fifth grade teacher you are expand the walls of your classroom, and allowing your students to interact with each other using a totally different medium, is wonderful. Your students will be very appreciative, and certainly be prepared for the world outside of school.
Kerris
In theory, I am very excited to try this expansion. Do you have any experience with classroom blogging? Do you have any suggestions on how to "train" or "teach" my 5th graders on how to use it correctly? Do you think it just comes naturally to them?
DeleteI have lots of questions and brainstorming and hearing how others will incorporate help me gain confidence.
Renee,
DeleteLike you this is my first time blogging. I have used Edmodo, which is similar to a blog. I think one way to train the students is to have them respond to a blog post with you. Have the students give you ideas on what they would like to talk about (content related). Hope this helps
Renee,
ReplyDeleteSetting up a blog by having the students respond to a question and then respond to their peers answers is a fantastic way of implementing a blog into your classroom. It becomes an extension of your lesson and can also aid in generating curiosity in your students to discover more about the subject matter. It is almost like a discovery lesson through the use of technology. Would it be possible to allow fifth graders--it is pretty incredible to have students of that age creating their own understanding of the material through by contributing to a blog--the ability to police the blog? For instance, if a student is using inappropriate language on your class blog, would it be possible to allow that student's peers to posses the capability of deleting his/her responses?
Finally, I believe that posting your students' work on the blog for the public to see is another fantastic method of utilizing a classroom blog. This method of showcasing exemplary work teaches students the concept of publishable work.
Mark-
DeleteThat was a great question, that I am unsure how to answer. Have you had experience with blogging with students and that has happened? Can the creator of the blog only delete or can anyone delete? Thanks for making me think. I think it is pretty incredible that 5th graders could do this also. I will admit I am not sure how to start. Suggestions?