Chapter 3: Weblogs- Get Started!

Getting Started!

Where do I begin?  What I got out of the reading is first get comfortable with blogging yourself, then start small with the students.  Baby steps!  Here is my plan for next year:  First show students the blog I created for them and discuss how to use it, and then have them respond to a question/topic of the week, next have them create the actual posts for discussion, and finally have them create their own blogs.   I have the content and layout mapped out in my mind; however I am struggling with the few students who are not connected.  Do I print out the discussions and have them respond in a written format?

Blog safety is a bit of a concern as well. I will definitely have my students use first names and/or pseudonyms as a precaution.  After all, you can never be too careful these days.  However I believe that the benefits of integrating blogs into the classroom greatly outweigh the risks.  I don’t completely understand how to keep them from clicking to the Next Blog due to the fact that it may be inappropriate.  Why would it link to a random blog rather than the other blogs I created?  Also, if I don’t allow the students to publish their posts, then am I the only one that can see them?   

Chapter 2: Weblogs

Weblogs & Their Uses

In science class, students seem to hate to write with a pencil and paper, but give them a computer and they will type their thoughts and responses without a problem.  I agree that using blogs can potentially increase students’ ability to think critically and enhance sharing through “writing.”  Students often do very well communicating their knowledge orally, but we seem to be losing them when it comes to writing.  I think typing is the way back!  After all unless they are skyping or podcasting, the only way to get their thoughts out using a Weblog is to type them!

I already have a teacher webpage, which I use as a class portal.  However, I plan on linking blogs that I create for specific areas of study to my class portal.  I love the idea of having my students create a guide to…..  I am also interested in having students create their own blogs and use them throughout the year, but I am not sure how to manage that with 142 students.  Do you have any tips?  Is there a way to link all the blogs together?  I am also thinking about creating a “Today in class…” blog where students can reflect on what was done in class and ask questions.  Maybe I could have a different class responsible for each day.  This would allow parents to get a first-hand look at what is happening in the classroom.   Wow, next year is going to be awesome!

Chapter 1: The Read/Write Web

Putting It into Perspective

After reading chapter 1, I was utterly amazed by the advances of the Internet in only 22 years. Wow have our lives been transformed: from politics to classrooms, the shift in journalism to a "society of authorship.”  We are writing history in “real time” together which is amazing.  I do have an issue with the fact that everyone’s lives are an open book.  Is it a good thing that there are NO secrets?  Everyone makes mistakes, but the difference now is that because we are always connected due to the technology at our fingertips; our mistakes are aired out like dirty laundry. 

            I agree whole heartedly that educators need to make the shift to learn about these new technologies as well as incorporate them into their classrooms.  We truly are behind the 8 ball, so to speak.  Our students do think and learn differently due to the availability of technology, and in order for us to get thorough to them we need to change our teaching style.  As a science teacher I think using blogs and wikis will make my classroom more engaging and it will help my students connect with other students around the world.  My goal is to have a real time data collection collaborative with students around the world to study topics such as global climate change, plate tectonics and seasons.

Below is a picture of my first computer, LOL!