This semester we will be exploring blogging as one way to create a learning community. Initially we will share ideas as a class. Once each of you has received your field experience placements, we will be meeting by grade bands.
The purpose of this initial blog is to make sure everyone can successfully access the blog and post an entry.
Please respond to the following:
1. Have you ever used blogging in an educational setting or seen it used by another teacher? If so, how?
2. Check out how a local teacher is using blogging to augment his fifth grade classroom:
http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=31860
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Another awesome blog for handheld computers can be found at
http://handheldcomputers.blogspot.com/
Look at this one too for a comparison.
I have never used a blog in an educational setting.
I believe after looking at both of these sites that I would like to incorporate a blog into my classroom. It would allow students to communicate with each other on specific ideas. It would also allow me to learn from other teachers about new lessons and techniques. I am very interested in exploring the PDA information and learning more about Google maps and community walks.
So I have used a blog in an education setting and I have found parts of it useful and parts of it overwhelming. In a tech class this summer we started a blog which required multiple postings for each student the comment section quickly swelled to nearly 200 posts it was torture to try and connect whose comments meant what. On the other hand I really like the technology and ease of use and access that blogs offer and I think that if used correctly they can be a great tool.
I had a chance to look at Mr. Christensen's website and I think he's done a really great job. It seems to be stalled as the school year hasn't begun (or is just beginning). I especially like that his students (the initials) all have their own contribution space.
Thanks for sharing
I have never used blogs in an educational setting. We were shown the general idea of blogs in 306, but didn't do much with them.
I like the idea of blogs, but I find them kind of confusing from a learning standpoint. There is alot of information to navigate through to find out the answers to questions. I think that for some specific things (maybe take home tests, or research projects in groups) that they would be helpful for students to share ideas. The PDA blog was far more helpful and informative for me.
I have never used a blog before so this is a whole new thing for me and am a little uneasy... :-)
I dont know if I would use the PDA's in my classroom or not. I can see both good and bad with using them but with the two different web sites and seeing how they were used, they could be helpful esp. in the autism spectrum and socializing etc. I think I am torn both ways to using and not using them....I would need more information and time with the devices before making a decision.
My experience with blogs has been very brief. In C&I 306, I was told (but never taught) to use a blog to communicate within a group project. By the third week, it got so confusing that my professor got rid of blogging all together.
As a preservice teacher, I understand that keeping up with new technology is important, however, after viewing how Mr. C incorporates blogging into his 5th grade classroom, I realize I still have a lot to learn!
I have not used a blog in an educational setting. The first time I was introduced to a blog was in my 306 class.
I am very interested in learning more about blogs and using them eventually in my classroom. I think blogs, if handled correctly, can be very useful tools for students. Blogs also can be great tools for educators to share new ideas with each other.
I have never seen a blog used in an educational setting. I have though, been introduced to blogging techniques and how to use them in the classroom in C&I 306.
I think blogs could be very useful tools for class discussions, especially because they are more private than formal in-class discussions. They don't require students to speak in front of other students, which can be scary for the shy ones. They also allow students to look at what other students have to say.
I have not yet had the experience of using a blog in an educational setting, but I am excited to use it in the future with my students. I feel that sometimes I can express what I have to say better when I write and I would love to give my students the opportunity to speak their mind through words as well. This may help students who do not like to speak out in class, share their thoughts and ideas with the class without being embarrassed of put on the spot. It will also help familiarize them with computer/keyboard use as well as help them write,spell and use proper grammar.
I think the idea of using hand held computers as an additional tool is great too as long as they are still getting enough freehand printing done in class. I think as long as I can provide clear rules when PDA's are being used and they do not become a distraction, students will enjoy the use of PDA's in the classroom.
I have never used a blog in an educational setting before, nor have I seen blogs used in an educational setting. In fact, in my twenty-two years of life experience this is the first blog I have ever written. Exciting, I know! Anyhow, I am very curious to see the outcome of this particular learning activity. If it works well, blogging is definitely something that I will experiment with in my future classroom someday.
So, I checked out the dude man's blogging website that he uses within his classroom at Lolo Elementary. It seemed like a cool idea, but I couldn't find any of the student responses. Perhaps this is because school is just beginning. Nevertheless, by investigating his example of blogs within the educational setting, I could see how blogging could be a very valuable learning activity. It's like journaling almost, but way more fun!
I have never used/seen blogs, though I have heard of them.
I can see how blogs can be utilized effectively for communication and journaling...but I can see the need for teacher/parent guidance. This does make me wonder what the MCPS district policy is regarding blog use. I know that they are very stringent in email access, shopping sites (district shopping or personal), and general internet use.
The use of PDA looks very intriguing but I hope to have a 2nd or 3rd grade class and wonder at the cost vs educational benefit for students of that age.
My only experience with blogs was in C&I 306. In thte class we didn't really learn how to navigate or use blogs, but were simply told what they were and that we could incorporate them into our classrooms.
From looking at these web-sites, I think incorporating a blog into my classroom could be a good and useful idea. I am excited to experiment with blogs and learn more about them. Blogs seem to be a great way to share ideas between classmates. On Mr. C's classroom blog, I liked how each student had their own page. I think studnets would like the idea of blogs, because for the most part they like technology.
I have never used a blog before this very moment. I guess that that last sentence along with all following sentences now make me a bonefide blogger. Yay!
One concern I have about using blogs within a classroom is that every child would have to have access to the internet. In some areas and with some families, this is not a guarantee, so those students would automatically be at a disadvantage. Most families have computers and the internet, but not all. But I'm sure there are ways to alleviate that concern.
After viewing both websites, I can see some benefits to using blogs within a classroom setting. I really liked the blog from the Lolo teacher. It seemed easily navigatable, and would be practical for classroom use. I'm sure that students get excited to see new pictures and comments on the blog, therefore creating enthusiasm in the students which is always good.
The PDA blog was very informational and was very user friendly. It seemed like a great resource for people wondering how to incorporate PDAs into their lessons and classrooms. I don't know much about using PDAs, so this blog will be very helpful to me.
I have used Blogs in C&I 306, and in that setting I didn't find them to be that benificial because it was somewhat forced. I would find uploading data a good way to use a blog, but it would be difficult in my mind to think of a good enough reason to use one. I love the idea of all of my students having access to PDAs, but it seems they would be expensive technology that would become obsolete in a relatively short period of time (I could be wrong). The QuizWiz might be interesting to try.
I took 306 this summer, and we used a blog to discuss a required reading. I like the idea of using a blog in an educational setting, but I don't feel very comfortable using them. This will be my second blog entry ever.
After looking at Mr. C's blog, I realize there are a lot of things that a blog would be good for, and would like to learn more about what can be done with blogs.
I really liked the nature hike idea with handhelds. Students spend so much time sitting around in front of screens these days, I think this is a good way to combine getting outside with technology.
The only exposure to blogging that I've had was in C&I 306. It seems to be a great tool for all ages capable of using it. It's a wonderful way to gain experience with computers and a fun way to communicate. Blogging seems to be the "in" thing to do now with so many kids using My Space. I am concerned for those students without internet at home though.
They may feel excluded for not being able to blog as often as their peers.
I really liked Mr. C's blog site. It was set up nicely and easy to navigate... a great site to model after!
MelissaAbbottSection2 said...
I had to use blogs for two classes this summer. I had never used blogs before, and only knew about them through negative side comments made by friends. Some friends feel that blogging is just a way for anyone to yammer on and on about things that are important only to themselves. There is so much space out there in internet-land that people don't feel a need to contain their wandering streams of consciousness. This kind of free for all allows for much creativity, yes, but also for a lot of blather. Of course, no one forces anyone to read another person's epic blog, so you read what you choose (unless in school!) All that said, I went in dreading blogging, but found it to be interesting if the subject and comments were focused. I think school is actually an excellent place for blogging, especially for kids who may not speak up in class. It offers a new avenue for communication. Classes can be dominated by a few loud, confident students who force others to take a back seat to active learning. If a teacher requires this new mode of communication, it may open some doors/minds. One problem I found with blogging for classes though, was a lot of redundancy. People say the same thing, which doesn't happen much in class. Hands drop to laps when a comment is made that they, too, were thinking about. So, I think it is important to make sure conversations move forward to keep people's interest and willingness to participate.
I seem to have blogged on a bit here, so I'll just note that I too found the website useful and innovative. (Now, am I being redundant???)
I have never used a blog- ever. But I think it is important to be aware and to use new technologies in the classroom.
For some reason, I couldn't connect to the Mr. C and his fifth grade class, but I will try again. I did look at the blog about PDAs. I do not have any experience using PDAs, but it sounds impressive what the students are able to do with them. Since I am still unfamiliar with PDAs I would probably not go out of my way to use them in the classroom, but if they were available I would probably take advantage of having access to the tool.
I can see blogs or websites as useful tools for teachers. It would be a great place to post extra information and assignment information- great for parents to refer to when their children miss school!
I have never had the chance to work with blogs in an educational setting. We briefly tounched on them in 306. I feel someone comfortable with them, since I have done something similar on Blackboard.
These websites are both really helpful. I really like how each student creates their own page to add their blogs to. This gives them a chance to express themselves. I think that PDA's are also a great tool for the classroom however students could easily get distracted with them. I thought it was very interesting that they are using PDA's for children with autism so that it lowers their levels of frustration. Very good to know.
Since a large number of my peers have mentioned being exposed to blogs in C&I 306, I am starting to vaguely remember the presentation in which blogs were introduced. I have never attempted to use a blog, nor have I ever seen blogs used in a classroom. I do see the potential in using blogs as just one more way my students have a chance to express ideas. We, as teachers, are always keeping an eye open for new ways to reach our students, so I look forward to learning more about how blogs could be another tool to use toward my goal to become an effective teacher. I appreciated the handhelds blog, because it made me realize ways to use a PDA in a classroom that I really would not have thought of. One example is using field trip notes to make an annotated community walk.
Mr. C’s blog was nice. The “conditions of use” page was helpful in explaining to parents and students the usefulness of this new tool. The fact that this teacher has taken the time to explore a fairly new resource is impressive to me. Along with what several other class members have mentioned, I am disappointed that there is a chance that some families do not have access to the internet. As internet capabilities continue to grow, I hope more people will be able to obtain access. On the other hand, if teachers do not take risks and explore technology it is the students who miss out.
I have had one brief experience with blogging. I was signed up for a class this past summer and our first assignment was blogging. As the frustration grew, I dropped the class and never looked back. Well, I can't run away from it this time. I am a greenhorn but the more I am exposed to blogging the better I will get.
Mr. C's blog for his class at Lolo is a great tool. I can see some great uses for it in a classroom. I like what Scott had to say about some kids not having a computer and/or internet access. The classroom blog can also show kids that the computer can be used for things other than just games.
I too have never used a blog within the educational setting until now. However, I can see the benefits of creating one and using it within the classroom.
A teacher could begin the classroom community during the summer months by using a blog. I thought that it might be worthwhile to leave information on the site for the students to do over the course of the summer (project ideas, book choices, science experiments, etc.).
This is an excellent way to begin the process of learning about the students in a safe and comfortable fashion.
I would have to agree with Melissa about the amount of information that could or would be repeated with a blog. The teacher would have to set-up guidelines for sharing information to prevent students taking the "easy" way out and repeating what others stated.
Have a great weekend.
I have never used a blog in any setting. Using a blog looks like it might provide an opportunity for teachers and students to become more of a community, allow everyone to express their thoughts and ideas, and be a vehicle to incorporate technology in the classroom. I think the 5th grade teacher has done a great job including all of these aspects into his class blog. The hand-held devices would be a nice technological tool as well, the only problem I see with them would be finding the financial support to obtain them.
Blogging in an educational setting, or any setting for that matter, is a foreign topic to me. I was briefly introduced to blogging, as many of the other students, in C&I 306 but feel very unfamiliar with what blogging is and what the benefits of this cyber communication are. From the little experience I have had with blogging, I can see where incorporating a blog into a classroom would be beneficial. Not only can it be a community where you can share ideas and thoughts with fellow teachers and colleagues but also a safe place where students can go to learn more about topics that they are currently exploring in the classroom, communicate with peers, and share their ideas in a comfortable, non-offensive setting.
I have never used a blog in any circumstance though it was touched on in computer class. I found the educational blogs to be promising tools for the classroom and also was disappointed there were no student comments to view.
I have no experience with the PDA's and I would like to explore them thoroughly before making any decisions about their usefulness in the classroom. I agree with many of the comments stating that they could become a distraction depending on the group of students. :)
My only educational experience with blogs was in my 515 class (graduate equivalent of 306). We blogged often about our assignments/readings. I enjoyed the ease of adding my comments and reading others' comments, however, I found with too many students the blog could quickly become overwhelming and responding to a specific person was sometimes a challenge without repeating everything that person said. We also created lesson plans that seemlessly integrated technology, and one of my lesson plans utilized a blog.
I enjoyed exploring both blogs from this assingment. I think blogging in the classroom for elementary students makes sense in that it is keeping up with where technology is going in a safe environment (notice they didn't use student names, just initials). The blog on hand held computers really opened my eyes to the idea of using them with early writers, I was impressed with how much the students were willing to try once they had the handheld in their hands. I've bookmarked that blog because I am positive I'll be using it in the future.
I have not used blogging in an educational setting. Blogging as a whole seems like a great idea, although a little confusing at the same time. I had the chance to look over Mr. Christensen's blogging site with my sister (11) and her friend (10). Both attend Polson Middle School and never used blogs before in or out of a school setting. After looking at the site and seeing how each student had their own blog spot they thought it was "awesome". As technology smart kids are these days I think blogs will be a great way to get students excited about discussions!
Like a few others, my first experience with blogging was this summer with a technology class. I can't say it thrilled me, but I didn't grow up with computers as my future students are doing. This form of communicating seems to appeal to the younger generation, so it's important for us to try to utilize it.
A couple ideas came up during my class that I really liked-
1- Having a home page for your class where assignments can be posted, student work can be featured and parents can connect or ask questions.
2- Using the blog for book club discussions. (In an example from a text book, one class invited an author to join their book club blog, which she did. She enjoyed reading the discussion and the class was impressed by her input.)
Getting students to put their thoughts "on paper" is a good thing! But, as you can see, the amount of entries can easily become overwhelming. I would prefer to use it for small groups (as we will be doing soon...)
I know so little about blogs and blogging that I am struggling to even get my comment to work correctly. I guess I have a lot to learn!
I would like to create and use a blog like Christensen, however I am concerned about online predators gaining personal information about students. Is this something that can be avoided?
I have never used a blog in an educational setting. I do think using blogging would be a good idea in the classroom, but I can also see how it could become a potential distration. If only used for educational purposes blogging is a great way to communicate and share ideas, but if students begin using it like "facebook" and posting personal messages to one another it could very quickly become a distraction.
I have never used a blog before in anyway. However, I have heard about blogs and seemed to have gotten the gist of what they were about. I didn't though realize the extent of uses that they can have in an educational setting.
I was impressed with the way the Lolo teacher set up his blog for his students. I feel that I would possibly like to use something like this in my classroom someday. It is a great way to get students (as well as me) better aware of ways to use technology and the benefits it can have.
I also really liked the ideas of the PDAs. The different articles gave some great ideas on how to use them that I would have never thought of. However, I don't know how much I would rely on or use them without becoming more knowledgeable about them myself. I know that right now I would probably not be able to teach students to use the the PDAs or some of the software programs that can be used with them to their fullest extent. Also, the cost would play a big role in being able to even get the PDAs.
My only experience with blogging was in C&I 306 where we learned how to create a blog and were asked to visit our classmates' blogs and make comments on their postings. It was helpful, but brief and basic.
After visiting both David Christensen's and Lynn Lary's blogs, I can see definite advantages for their use in the field of education. Obviously, they are a helpful tool for communicating directly with students when you are not in the cassroom, or even out of the country. I also noticed and appreciated that Christensen warned his students to be aware of spelling and grammar in their own postings because they would be seen by anyone/everyone. I think that is an effective way to give students accountability for their work. In adition to providing an appropriate and formal link between students and teacers, blogs can also be a link between and among educators, whether they are in the same building, district, or across the world. This gives teachers almost immediate access to information and resources that would be extremely difficult without this tool. I would consider using a blog in my own classroom, obviously depending on the age and technological skill level of my students. Although, I definitley think it can be an effective tool.
I have never seen or used a blog in an educational setting...that seems like the general consensus. However, I do like the idea of incorporating blogs into my lessons. Students these days are becoming more comfortable and familiar with technology and I think that teachers should be as well. Looking at Mr. C's blogging site, I can see how his student's really get into blogging. I think it's great that he is using unconventional teaching techniques to engage with his students. I was also interested in how instructors have been using handheld computers to work with students with autism. There is a vass amount of technology available to teachers, and I think it's important that we take advantage of it.
I've never seen a blog used in an educational setting but love the idea. I think blogs are very useful in giving people an area to share their thoughts and ideas. As an educational tool there can be an immense amount of use for both students and teachers. For students a space to share there ideas and thoughts on projects or assignments can open up a whole discussion on the project and help facilitate more ideas and deeper learning. For teachers it can be used as a real time mentoring space for teachers. They can share good and bad ideas that they have used in their classrooms and if a teacher is struggling in a certain situation they can receive many view points and ways of handling said situation.
I have written blogs in C+I 300 and 306. The class responded to group questions and was able to interact outside of class time. The purpose of the blogs in my experience was to create a group forum, where people can express their ideas and read others.
After reading the blog articles, I believe that blogs can be useful in an educational setting, if used to interact outside of class time. I would rather have group discussions in my classroom using conversation. In this computer age kids are going to have plenty of time working with technology, therefore, I want to encourage social interaction as much as possible.
I am not familiar with everything that a blog has to offer. I have never seen a blog used in a professional or educational setting. I do believe that it could be very useful.
I have started to use one recently though. My sister and her husband started a family blog. This helps all of us near and far to check up on the kids. Seeing new pictures and postings, I have enjoyed using the blog. I can even write back commenting on the latest entry or pictures! I love it. It is so easy to keep in touch.
Growing up I attended a school that wasn't very technology based. I have never considered using blogs in my classroom until now. What a great idea! KAELA CLAWSON SEC 2
I am not familiar with everything that a blog has to offer. I have never seen a blog used in a professional or educational setting. I do believe though that it could be very useful.
I have started to use one recently though. My sister and her husband started a family blog. This helps all of us near and far to check up on the kids. Seeing new pictures and postings, I have enjoyed using the blog. I can even write back commenting to the latest entry or pictures! I love it. It is so easy to keep in touch.
I attended a school that wasn't very technology based. i have never considered using blogs in my classroom until now. Whas a great idea! KAELA CLAWSON SEC 2
I have never used a blog in an educational setting or otherwise. From the two webpages we viewed, I have mixed feelings. Blogs may create interesting and informative educational communities. They may allow shy students or those who prefer writing to speaking to communicate.
However, on Mr. C's blog page, I was unable to view any student comments. Was that my problem ? A technology problem? Or a safety feature? I couldn't read the student comments, but I did see the blurbs a few of them wrote about themselves. One of them had the blog name 'pig' and another was 'retard.' I think that, unfortunately, online activities give people license to say things they might not otherwise. I think the word retard is offensive and sort of inappropriate for a 5th grader to name themselves. Or perhaps we should allow kids this freedom?
Another issue is finances. If everyone has a hand held device, as suggested by the second webpage (am I understanding this right?), won't that cost a lot? The U.S. is one of the richest countries on Earth, so perhaps this is a wise use of money. However, it seems to me that a lot of schools have financial difficulties and that money would go further if it was used on books, rather than on hand held technologies. Furthermore, many children cannot afford to have computers at home and so would have to use computers at school.
I'm not saying that blogs are NOT a good idea, I'm just trying to stir up the conversation and point out some potential negatives.
My exposure to blogs has been entirely recreational; I haven't seen a teacher utilize them (for more than personal reasons) before. Its writing, its technology, its good feedback. Overall I'm really enjoying the idea of a blog.
My criticism of blogs has to do with where I'll be student teaching. There is a 36% free/reduced lunch student population. I'm suspecting that several of those students wouldn't have internet access at home, thus making them be excluded from a valuable class resource. Any suggestions on how to combat this issue?
I really enjoy Dave's page; its a great sampling of how a blog can be utilized to provide additional insight into the classroom environment. I'm guessing parents find it a valuable tool in getting to know what's going on with their kids at school.
Aaron is Aaron Flager from section 2... Sorry, forgot to add that in my comment. I'll try to fix my profile to show my full name.
I have never used blogs in and educational setting. I have used blogs only recently to comment on AOL news etc.
I would like to however learn to use blogs for my classroom so that parents can keep up with what their children are discussing, and so that students can bounce ideas between themselves. I think it would be a great tool provided it was set with guidlines that are followed by students and parents alike.
The last time I used blogging was in the 306 class. In none of my field placements have I seen it used in the classroom
I feel that blogging is a legitamit tool for students to use to express themselves. It works on the childs writing ablility while also teaching them how to use the internet in a safe manner. It can also allow kids to express opinions without feeling on the spot or that they will be made fun of.
Davids blogging was very interesting and informative as to how to set a blog up.
I have used blogs in educational settings. They are a little confusing at first, but are easy to catch on to. They are a great tool for discussions. It's nice to read posts and see the range of ideas from classmates.
I would like to use blogging in my future classroom. I think the biggest issue with blogs and students might be monitoring the blogs and making sure students aren't identifying themselves. It looks like Mr. C was doing a good job with that. I am hoping to teach in lower elementary, but I'm not really sure how I could use blogging with younger students.
I have used a blog before in my Enex 101 class. I thought it was a great way to communicate. The one problem I experience though was that the blog enabled students that didn't read assignments to be able to draw enough information from other peoples comments to make it look like they had done the work. If the teacher asks the correct kinds of questions though, this problem could be easily corrected.
I really liked the way Mr. C is beginning to use the blogs with his classroom. I really think that the questions he asks will help him be able to determine the kowledge his students have a a particular subject. From simply reading the responses he will be able to tailor his lesson so that every students needs are being met. I also like how each child was able to create their own personal blog and add their own special touches to it.
The PDA blog was very informative too. It offers a lot of good ideas for using the pda's and if I am ever in the position where my students will have access to pda's I am sure this blog will be very helpful.
I have not used a blog in an educational setting. I look forward to learning to use it in the future with my students.
The blogs I looked at were interesting but I had trouble finding the information the students had contributed. I would like to learn more about PDA's.
I have not used blogs in or out of an educational setting, so I am looking forward to this experience and the possiblities for incorporating technology into my lessons and future classroom. From reading the comments posted on this blog, I can see how a blog site could be benefical in a K-8 classroom. Blogging would provide all students a chance to share opinions, ideas, questions, and comments regarding all subject matters in a fast and comfortable manner. I can see how students who struggle with shyness or speaking up in the classroom would feel more comfortable with blogging. By exploring this website and the one by Mr. Christensen, I can understand the importance of blogging in creating communities with among peers, with other teachers, and as a way to have students share their expertise with one another. I can also see how blogging helps students understand the connections among various disciplines.
I found Mr. Christensen's blog site easy to navigate and a prime example of the purpose and use of blogs in the classroom. I have a lot to learn, but I can see this technology as an invaluable tool!
No, I have never used a blog in an educational setting. I have substitute taught in classes that used it though. The students already knew how to use them so I only supervised while they were on the computer and didn't learn much about it.
After viewing the site and seeing the capabilities with blogging, I think it could be a great tool for the classroom. With proper directions and instruction, there are many useful activities teachers can do with the blogs.
I have never used a blog in any way and was nervous about using this one. I am now so excited about it that I am telling my dog, "I'm blogging"! I really liked being able to view the children's entries on the first blog I looked at--the blogmeister. I liked the way he had it set up and the casual tone of his blogging, which put me at ease. The second blog about the handheld computers made me think about how much we can learn from each other through blogs. I am really excited about the handheld computers in the classroom as well. I believe they would be very motivational in many ways for students. All in all, blogging for the first time made me realize how much I have to learn and gave me a new level of confidence about myself. "I can do it!" are the words that are resounding in my head right now. I am anxious to learn more about things I have not yet experienced, such as blogging and personal computers.
I have yet to incorporate blogging into an educational setting. However, I think it would be a useful tool in the classroom. Blogging gives all student's a chance to submit their ideas and/or opinions on a subject. This is especially useful for students that have a hard time speaking up in class. I think blogging would also be a great tool for informal assessment because you can test student's understanding of subjects presented in class.
The only downside I could see to blogging, is if it is not appropriately managed and monitored, student's could misuse the technology for inappropriate purposes.
I also had a chance to check out Mr. Christensen's blog. I thought it was a good way for him to incorporate technology into his science curriculum.
I have never used a blog before. I love how Mr C has used his class blog to share and collect assignments. I also loved the community walk idea on the handheld blogger site where students use a handheald to create an annotated map. I would love to learn how to do this as it seems like a great way to create a map for an integrated unit.
I have never experienced blog use in a classroom setting. I am somewhat familiar with blogs however, and I think it would be a very useful way to enhance communication between class members. I see blogs as a type of journal that allows students to share their ideas openly, instead of having to peruse the pages of a written journal.
Mr. C's class blog is great. I really like how he presents his assignment for them by opening with what is going on in his life at the moment. It makes the lesson seem a little more...friendly? I am not sure if that is the right word to use, but at any rate, it is better than saying, "Water quality. Write about it." To go along with this thought, he also breaks the assignment down nicely to direct the students toward the information he wants them to discover.
The link that Dr. G provided is also an interesting link. It provides lots of information and logic behind using technology (specifically handhelds) in a classroom setting. This site seems to be more directed toward teachers though, whereas the first is for the entire class.
No i have never used a blog in an educational setting. I'm not really a computer person but this seems like it would be pretty simple after doing it a couple of times. I think that it is a really good idea for communicating with students and teachers outside of the classroom. I also think that the handheld computers blogspot is interesting but im guessing it would most likely be pretty pricey.
I have never used a blog in an educational setting, or any other setting for that matter. The little I do know about using them in education comes from C&I 306.
I am very interested in learning more about blogs, as well as seeing examples of successful use within a classroom setting. Whether or not I would try to incorporate blogging as a teacher depends on several factors....age of students, ease of use, and educational purpose are a few key ones. I can definitely see their potential in fostering an active community of learners, something all teachers should strive for.
I was introduced to blogging in
C & I 306, but I never really explored the idea any further. I am glad I am getting the chance to explore this tool.
I checked out the blog created by the science teacher at Lolo Elementary. I thought it was neat that the teacher's blog had little links to all of the student blogs. Letting the students add pictures and a short profile description of themselves to their blog is exciting for them I am sure. The blog seems like a great tool and method to get kids engaged in a different way with science or any subject for that matter.
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