I think that blogging is a great thing. The younger generation is all about technology and educators should be using this tool in teaching. By embracing this tool, we are creating an instant motivator for students to write - and to write well. Students will work harder if they know that someone else is going to be reading their work. In addition, it levels the playing field for all students - every one has an equal opportunity to share their opinion and for it to be heard/read. What a great opportunity for ESL students and those who struggle or need more time to formulate complete thoughts!
I really liked the Teachers First: Big Ideas for Teaching With Blogs. There were several great ideas on how to incorporate blogging into the classroom. My favorite was "Week in Review" where a blog "team" would work together to write/describe the week's events. Parents can look on the blog and see what is happening at school (great home/school connection) and students that have been absent/sick are also able to view the blog and feel connected to what is happening at school. I think that this might even be something I may try to do for my class. I could create a K blog and I could post pictures of all of the cool things we are learning during the week. Parent comments would be fantastic, too. Possibly good PR for the school?
The only downside to Blogging, and technology overall, is the access issue. Only those students/parents who have computers AND internet connections in their homes will be able to reap the full educational potential.
Hi Jenny, Good point about what motivates students to write well. Knowing that your opinions, and how well-written they are, will be read by others could inspire one to put forth a strong effort. It does help to have a little extra time to formulate an opinion and to respond in a thoughtful way too. I can attest to that.
ReplyDeleteMy kids' teachers have a blog, and it is a great home school connection, as you say. I can see what they did in class each day, and there are always lots of photos too. Sometimes, the teacher will post an example of the work done during class. It really brings everyone together for the same topic. I can better address my kids and help support them after school and with their homework, especially when I ask them what they did in school and they say, "Nothing".
Jenni, I like your idea about blogging and how it is an excellent tool for ESL as well as other students to develop their reflections. There are several teachers in the school where I teach that do use blogging and comment about how it has improved students writing, vocabulary and surprisingly, their concentration. So, I am going to create a reading blog, where my students can post weekly "mini" reviews about their favorite story that we have read. I think blogging is also an important way for parents to connect with schools and teachers, however there are students at school who have no internet at home, which is so unfortunate.
ReplyDeleteJenni
ReplyDeleteI can see that you have been inspired by the information in our readings and the comments of your colleagues. Using a blog to create a home-school connection for your Kindergarten class is a great way to begin. You may even be able to get some parent helpers to share that task with you.
Good luck with the implementation. And thanks for sharing!
Maureen