M Smith ECOMP 5004 A#3
I am not an avid user of blogs myself, but in the article Blog-on by Catherine Poling, the uses of blogging for updating staff, collaboration between teachers and students, and having the ability for students to add to discussions without peer pressure appear to be just a few uses for this tool. I think I would start with using it as a online homework portal, then expand to collaborative assignments as my students grew used to the tool. What an easy way for students to publish their work, in a safe space.
Blogs are great in that they allow students to easily contribute to a discussion/assignment and can be easily shared and accessed. It's also easy for students to build a digital portfolio through blogging, something they can refer to for years to come.
ReplyDeleteThe one caveat (and Catherine Poling fails to mention this) is that blogs are very public documents. Even sites like Edublogs don't have privacy settings. Everything posted (names, places, etc.) is public for all to see.
That said, blogs work well as a vehicle for student expression and a way for them to contribute positively to the Internet at large.
Mark
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you are going to give blogs a try. That's the way to begin, with a more controlled approach and then you can grow with the technology as your own confidence grows. Success will follow too I am sure!
Maureen
I use blogs in my classroom and students do feel more comfortable writing their comments since they do not have to raise their hands. I believe students write more than what they would say in class.
ReplyDelete