Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Blogging Ideas

I am new at this, but I can see how using a blog can enhance and encourage my student's motivation and allow them to share interests or questions. I currently teach 52 fourth grade students in four different gifted reading classes. Blogging will allow them to communicate any problems or questions they may have about assignments. It will also allow classes to interact with each other. I will use it to keep my students and their parents updated on new ideas, resources, and current events as they happen.

3 comments:

  1. Blogging definitely enhances student’s motivation for writing and to share interests. Do you actually use the blogs for teaching content or is it just a way to communicate about assignments? I think the parents must love this option and is great way to allow your students to learn by using technology, however, I think with a gifted reading class, you could possibly use the blog as an online journal to accompany your reading passages.

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  2. Hi Mr. D!
    Eventually, when I've learned all the tricks to this new blogging thing, I do hope to use the blog as more of an online journal. My classroom has its own website through my school website where I post a "What's Up?" to keep students and parents updated on what we're doing on a weekly basis, and I post links to websites that offer enrichment and extra info.
    I'm a little hesitant about blogging; we've received several emails and memos just this week from our superintendent about the dangers of using Facebook or MySpace as teachers. I don't think any other teachers at my school have used blogging with their students, so I feel like I need to get it approved first.

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  3. FaceBook and MySpace are used in a much different capacity than blogging. It is always good, however to get your administration on board if you plan on using a new strategy (especially one so public). Have a plan in place and make sure you are covered by a letter home that clearly states your intentions and expectations. You may also have to consider doing a parent-session where parents can learn about your "expanded" classroom.

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