I might use a blog in my classroom to post homework or newsletters for my students and parents. I think that having an area for students (and parents) to find homework would be beneficial. I know that in my classroom I require the kids to copy down homework in their planners. Many times students won't write down an assignment because they already did it. If parents could see all the homework (even the work their child has completed), they could double check to be sure that they did complete it. This is something that I may try to tackle this year.
Another reason for a blog in the classroom could be to help students develop their writing. I know that I post prompts for my students to answer and this allows them to go as deep as they want into the prompt and to backup their reasons.
I started a blog at the end of this year for my class and only got to do some quick prompts. I think that a blog could be a place to reflect and interact about content. I will need to further deepen my expectations for my blog before I decide how I want my students to use it. I also think that at 5th grade they may not be ready to reply to others responses. I first want to develop their understanding of how to respond with quality thoughts. I think that a blog could be a place for the students to showcase their work, most defiantly. I don't think that at 5th grade, this will be something I will tackle (at least not yet). I do, however, see how this could be beneficial. Students get to show off something great that they can do, or show something they worked really hard on, and they can get feedback from their peers.
I think that a blog could enhance a lesson by further extending the students thinking. I think that they could access a website to do some deeper thinking or respond to classmates thinking and questions.
If you haven't caught it yet, I am a 5th grade elementary teacher. I believe that a blog will unite the class together as a whole and will deepen the child's respect for each other and for the internet and the power that it can have - and will have - on their education.
Hi Ali, It sounds like you are off to a great start with your ideas for your classroom blog. I'm impressed to hear that you even tried a response blog with your students already. Richardson (2010) mentioned when first starting a blog you just need to jump in and try it. The more you play around with it the better you will understand it and know how to make it effective for you and your students! I would love to have a response blog for my students. The only thing that stops me is the fact that they are first graders. Some of them would be able to do it but not all. Plus they still rely on their parents to help them with this task and we all know that parents today already have a full plate. But I think I will try it out next year and just keep it real simple and see what response I get.
ReplyDeleteChristine
P.S. Your puppy is adorable. I have two dogs Georgie and Stella.
I think that blogs are great, but you have to keep in mind that many students do not have access to computers at home. Also, you might want to make it as easy as possible for students to post their thoughts. Why do I need a profile? Many parents and some teachers are going to look upon blogging as a hardship that they have to endure and another unwanted expense.
ReplyDeleteTotally. I wouldn't even have them create a profile at all. The blog that I use the students already have their account set up and everything. They don't even need a profile. I can see how some districts would see a blog being a hardship but in my district in particular they thrive with one. I only got my blog started about half way through the year and in the beginning of the year they were asking for one :)
DeleteI can see, however, in other districts how a blog could be a potential hardship.
Hi Ali, nice suggestions as to how blogs cane be incorporated in the classrrom. I especially liked the idea of having students to complete writing pieces in the topics or prompts put forward to them. However, I think that with students' writing there should be some analysis, so that students can know if they are on target with their writing. It does not make sense for students to write and not get feedback on it.
ReplyDeletePosting homework on blogs for parents to know about is a good idea, but I find that it may be a challenge for parents. I have realized that our parents are not technologically savy. Therefore, something like this may be a challenge.