Blogging
opens a whole new world of wonderful resources for students to experience. First,
their writings are geared for others to read, which includes students, teachers
and parents. Because of this most students
tend to want to have their views read and like this week’s article, Giving
Reluctant Students a Voice, by
Reynold Redekopp and Elizabeth Bourbonniere, reminds us that students who reject
entering a class discussion because they might feel uncomfortable to speak or
introverted, actually add significant input to blogs. Additionally, I think when students blog,
they are individually inspired to contemplate and feel free to express their
thoughts, with the anticipation of feedback from their peers.
The
slideshare which was included in the website, Using Blogging in the Elementary Classroom was extremely
interesting, especially the presentation on Blogging in the Classroom, by
Lindsay Powers. What I found encouraging were the ideas she provided on using
blogs as sites for a class to publish a book and create special student blogs
which would keep parents informed about activities in the class and school.
Author, Jeff
Utecht makes a good point in his article, Blogs
are Not the Enemy, by highlighting the idea that through blogging students
tend to value other students' comments about homework and this further expands
their knowledge and understanding. Unlike journaling which is akin to blogging,
when students blog they have an attentive discussion which motivates a
continual learning process whether it relates to a debate or explanations.
Therefore, I am an enthusiast of classroom blogging, not only for all of the
above reasons but because it provides teachers with an innovative approach to better prepare students to become literate citizens of the 21st Century.
Very thoughtfully written, you had some great points in your reflection on blogging. I agree with you that it can be used as a very good form of communication among teachers, students and parents. One of the things that I have observed my doing this project, is it really makes me aware of what others are thinking and gives me a new perspective on thoughts that I never considered. I love reading how people think and write and it inspires me to think about things differently. I don't see that happening as much in a classroom as you always have the same students volunteer information to the class. This way everyone has a voice.
ReplyDeleteVery insightful post. You have inspired me to make a classroom blog! Great work
ReplyDeleteMary
ReplyDeleteFrom this week's reading assignments you have been able to take away a respect for blogging as well as an eagerness to transfer what you have read into classroom practice. thnaks for sharing your insights with your classmates, i think you have inspired them through your own blogging posts! :-)
Maureen