I believe that there are many benefits to blogging in the classroom. First of all, I believe most students prefer using computers for learning over the traditional method of learning from books and notes. Many seem to be more involved and engaged with lessons that are done at a computer. For example, when researching for anything, from Health class to Science to History, the response is always positive if students know they can use computers. I believe that they would seek excellence, perfect and edit their work more carefully if they were posting a blog for the "world" to see. Secondly, I think that kids would like to see and hear from other kids around the world. Blogging can help kids share information about what concerns they may have with education, culture, morality, values, and finances. Students can learn about the similarities and differences of real people, who are acting as primary sources to the reader of a blog.
I was hoping to use my blog as a way to promote Dave Heise's English class. They are starting a virus in the high school. (This is a good thing. ) The students decide whether they have the personality style of a Raven, Connector or Salesperson . This comes from the book they are reading together. Then they form groups with a sprinkling of each personality in each group. Each group comes up with an idea of what needs to be improved at our school. There will be a vote on the best idea and then, as a class, they will work at making the improvement they choose by using logos, slogans, posters and a variety of other communication methods.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
The kids today are so connected via internet, ipods, cell phones,etc., it is second nature to them. Classroom blogging could be such a useful tool to keep them interested in learning all subjects. This interactive English project is a perfect example of engaging students in their learning.
Kathy, You are right that kids like to use computers and technology- just look at how prolific kids are when texting each other. I also like your comment about students getting a more worldly view about topics. Now that the world is "flat" (technologically speaking) we all have a lot more peers who can add great ideas.
PS I like the look of your blog.
You point out a lot of good reasons to bring blogging into the classroom. I certainly agree that most students would rather use the keyboard than a pen or pencil.
How could a blog help the students Heise's English class with their book? It would be great to combine the traditionality of a book, with new technology. I think that teachers have to see that the kids are going to be using technology more and more in their everyday lives and work lives. The more we are open to that, the more foresighted we will be as educators.
Kathy, using computers is a wonderful idea. The kids are so much more savvy then the adults and it has taken us awhile to catch up to this fast moving, technilogical world. Blogging in English class is an amazing tool to use and one could only hope that eventually all other subjects will catch up.
I hate to say it, but I prefer to use the computer for most things too. You have so many more resources at your fingertips. However I do worry because many students can't differentiate between what is a good source and what is not. It becomes a problem when you are writing a research paper to find a website that has research based information in it and not just information invented from someone's head.
Post a Comment