I found the readings thought provoking. To Blog or Not To Blog is an interesting question.
I think blogging is generally a good thing, especially for today's children who use this kind of internet technology and social media every day. It is more constructive than texting and can really be used as a write-to-learn exercise.
Blogging can be a very effective means of teaching writing and communication for those "level 4" students who would never speak up in class and fear expressing themselves publically. I have one daughter who is a level 1 and another who would be a level 5, if possible. Both are full of good ideas, and blogging could put both on the same, even playing field. The anonymous and detached writing format allows expression without feeling intimidated. It also provides a convenient "file cabinet" of writings by the blogger, which can encourage her to take pride in her work.
On the other hand, blogging teaches writing as an introspective form of communication, which encourages students (especially those already introverted level 4 students) to withdraw further from the world and avoid the important learning experiences of two-way communications and authentic social interactions in the classroom.
I teach third grade and found these tips for blogs in elementary education to be useful.
I totally agree that blogs create an equal opportunity for everyone to participate at their own comfort level!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the "Tips For Blogs" link. I checked it out and found a blog on 22 Web 2.0 Apps. Two that caught my attention and looked like great fun were Memoov Animation and Co Sketch. Memoov allows you to create your own animation to go along with a story - very cool! I can see a lot of motivation from students working with this application. Co-Sketch is a multi-user online whiteboard tool. So, basically many people can collaborate via a Smartboard. Again, pretty amazing stuff.
I really liked what you had to say in your comment. I do agree with you that blogging will give students an avenue for their "good ideas" even if they do not want to verbalize them in class. If we are to truly reach our students we have to understand the different needs and learning styles of our students. If blogging is something that we can do in our classrooms that just makes us more effective teachers in our quest in trying to engage our students.
ReplyDeleteThe link is excellent! I also teach 3rd grade, and it's all about making technology accessible through user friendly terms and descriptions, and realistic expectations. We started a blog last spring, and within a few weeks, students were writing posts and adding photos on their own.
ReplyDeleteWhat's really cool is how empowering the experience is. The kids love to share their work with parents, relatives, older students, community members, favorite teachers, etc. To have a digital portfolio established in 2nd or 3rd grade is pretty cool to look back on as they grow older and more experienced.
Lesley
ReplyDeleteYou have made some good points about the value of blogging, especially as a write to learn tool. It does provide an engaging and motivating writing space that can be used for assessment also.
I also read your point about perhaps blogging will make our introverted students more withdrawn. But I have actually experienced the opposite of that. Many times a shyer student will make a point that no one has thought of and will get praised for that by their teacher and more importantly their classroom peers.This really raises their self esteem.
But I guess the only way to see is to try it out! :-)
Thanks for sharing!