Which technologies will best suit my goals?
What are the risks of posting student work online?
How can I make sure that all students are participating?
What are the benefits of writing online?
What if the WiFi stops working???
Before you decide that it’s all too much, take a deep breath and read on.
With technology implementation it’s best to take small steps. Start with a classroom blog. There are many blog providers available with tools that make it easy to begin.
Step 1: Peruse blogs that have been set up by other teachers. You will gain insights into what works and what design elements you may want to include. There are lots of amazing things going on in classrooms around the world. Check out my top picks for literacy blogs. »
Step 2: Pick a blogging tool. Here are some examples of blogs and websites with blogging capabilities. Explore them and decide which will best suit your needs.
Step 3: Decide what functions your blog will serve. This is a continually shifting idea and can be easily changed to meet your needs in the future. These general types can also be combined within one blog by using different pages. There are several types of blogs: classroom news blog, mirror blog, showcase blog, literature response blog.
-A classroom news blog is a new way for teachers to share news and information with parents and students. You can post homework assignments and school event updates.
-A mirror blog is about reflection. This can be a teacher reflecting on new learning ideas or a place for students to share their thoughts about what they learned.
-A showcase blog allows students and teachers to share their best work with a wide audience.
-A literature response blog is a way for students to respond to questions or give their own ideas about a story or book.
Read more about these blog types in this very helpful article.
Step 4: Understand the benefits and issues associated with blogging in the classroom.
Benefits: There are so many benefits to blogging within the classroom. I’m just going to discuss a few here. You may want to continue your research by clicking the hyperlinks below.
• Many students find it motivating to write for an audience of their peers as opposed to just the teacher. This can be helpful with reluctant writers.
• Students can help each other through the writing process via comments and feedback.
• Blogging allows students more freedom in how and when they write.
Issues: While technology is a wonderful tool, it can be tricky for students and teachers to navigate safely. Here are some things to keep in mind while undergoing this process.
• While blogs can be a very useful tool for classroom discussion, they need to be different than other tasks already assigned in the classroom.
• Make sure that blogging is within the “Acceptable Use Policy” for your school or district.
• Students need guidance on how to respond and comment appropriately to posts.
Finally, remember that implementing blogging into your classroom takes time and consistency. Good luck on your blogging adventures!
Have a question or comment? I’d love to hear from you!
I love your last point in issues, "students need guidance." I think this is critical in any technology integration plan! Students need to understand the how's and the why's to what they are doing. They also need to understand what goes on the blog, is there to stay even if deleted. Great start to your blog.
ReplyDeleteI like how you formatted your post as a step by step how-to for beginners. That was clever and it made it easy to read and understand how to get started. I think a teacher new to blogging in the classroom would find it helpful. :-)
ReplyDeleteI like how you listed the steps to implementing blogging in the classroom. It's important for teachers to not be overwhelmed by the concept. Great job on your blog too! I like the list of your favorite things. It makes it easy for readers of your blog to learn about you! Students who create their blogs would have fun with some of those Gadgets like that one.
ReplyDeleteI like how you organized your post into the important sections.
ReplyDeleteNice summary of each type of blog.
Great blogroll!