I have had very little experience using the blogging tool before this assignment. One of my group members was kind enough to create the blog account and allow the other members to get started on our blogging experience. I have previously read blogs posted on the web by individuals about various discussions about current issues. Recently, I chose to listen to some suggestions as to how blogging can be used to extract ideas from students about way to that teachers can better facilitate their learning experiences. It was explained that as they share ideas among themselves, I would be able to better understand how I can provide more appropriate teaching strategies to get the maximum learning taking place for each student in my classroom. I then began to seek more information about how blogs work and how I may tap into this resource to help my students.
I am therefore happy to have the opportunity to participate in the blogging experience so I can better understand and guide students who may be new to this concept, as I am presently.
This is my second time blogging and I have to say the first time was interesting because it was concerning on of my favorite topics. This blog will be a little more challenging because I am not teaching now and most of the topics are going to be on what you do in your classrooms. I am certain that it would be a good tool for teacher to use for students and parents. Keeping the class informed while they are outside the classroom helps with time during class. Somethings can be said during a blog that wouldn't be shared in class. It's important for students to be heard even if they choose not to share during class. It can also provide parents an insight to what is going on in school for their kids. I know that most kids go home and when asked what did you in school today, most respond "nothing." With a blog parents can get an idea of the day their kid has had during school hours or at least in the class with a blog.
ReplyDeleteA change in class schedules can be posted at a moment notice on a blog, if students know to check the blog each day or even twice a week these last minute things can be posted. Students can have their own discussions about the in class lessons and any homework or projects. Questions can be posted by students and the teacher can address them during class. Like I said before I think it works good for time constraints, it seems to be never enough time in a day.
I have never used blogs before. I have heard the name oftentimes,particularly on all the news stations (eg. MSNBC, CNN, etc...) and thought that it would be a great tool. So I did a research paper about how useful it can be (EDTC 615).I figured that I would explore blogging in the near future. I suppose the time has come--haha. We are now exploring this tool in our EDTC 625 course.
ReplyDeleteBlogging is like an electronic form of a journal. Input from the contributors and followers can be viewed. It is a forum for sharing ideas, experiences whether good or bad, sharing your expertise in your profession, etc... It is a great tool for venting and basically "blowing off some steam" from the challenges experienced during the day or whatever point in your life you may find yourself. It is easily accessible with an internet connection and you are "on your way".
It is a great tool for thoughtful writing.
I found some articles I used in a past course regarding blogging. Unfortunately, I didn't choose this topic for my research topic. I wanted to try something different, "Using Classroom Websites...".
The following are great scholarly articles regarding blogging:
"Hot Blogging: A Framework for Blogging to Promote Higher Order Thinking" by Lisa Zawilinski, The Reading Teacher, May 2009,
62:8
"The Effect of Weblog Integrated Writing Instruction on Primary School Students Writing Performance" by Ozhur Simsek, International Journal of Instruction, July 2009, 2:2
"TPACK and Web 2.0: Transformation of Teaching and Learning" by Jennifer Nelson, Angela Christopher, and Clif Mims, Tech Trends, Sept/Oct 2009, 53:5
Oh, if anyone has any great articles regarding the use of CLASS WEBSITE(S) in improving student performance.
Isabel