I teach computer technology classes to grades six through eight. The blog would be used for my eight grade classes.
I polled several 8th grade classes to see if many of them have used blogs as an instructional tool with other teachers, most have not done this. Considering most students are familuar with blogs but have not used them for instructional purposes I have decided to formulate a plan to start simple and then later create more detailed uses of the blog format. My reasoning behind this plan is to build the confidence of students and avoid possible frustration that may occur if students begin to struggle.
I will begin introducing my classes to blogs with an on line demonstration of how they work and what they can be used for in school. I am fortunate to have my computer linked to a projector which displayes what is on my monitor to a large screen in the front of class. Using the blog as a place for students to interact about content would be a good starting point. My plan would be to post questions on the blog which pertain to the week’s lesson that students are required to answer. To get them started they could begin during class and would be required to finish for homework. Most students do have access to the web at home, however, I would need to make modifications for those who do not. Untimately I would like to use the blog to publish student’s work. Several of their projects are digital files so this would work nicely.
The use of a blog in my class is a good tool for instructional content because it not only covers the particular assignment but also reinforces the use of computer skills such as web browsing, and word processing.
Using a blog will allow students to make up work they have missed due to absense from class. I see each class only twice per week so it is difficult for students to make up assignments. Using a blog to post projects would allow students and parents to see what is required. The blog could also be used as a way of posting exceptional projects; this could serve as a form of motivation to students. This will be a definite enhancement to my lesson.
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John, I looks like you have had some experience in blogs. You ideas are excellent. When I've become adept at blogging I'll try some of them. I think a blog would be great for students to work on homework together, and I like the idea of posting exceptional work.
ReplyDeleteHi John
ReplyDeleteWe seem to be light years apart when it comes to blogging. I am only starting out now and yours seem to be very good ideas. Thank you.
Maria
John
ReplyDeleteI will also be using my classroom blog to help students stay caught up in my class when they are absent. It will be a great way for them to stay on top of their missing work.
Lisa
John,
ReplyDeleteI liked the website too, it did have many resources available to help us in the classroom. I feel the same way about the core subject area, it is subjective. I teach my class the basics, but that may vary each year depending on the class and what their needs are.
I think the members of the Partnership website come across as more stringent, when talking about core subjects, because they have to start with higher expectations. It is easier to take things away than it is to add them in later, that is my thought anyway!
Thank you for your post!
Mary McGalloway