Why should we use blogs in school?

So, I have started my summer reading list.  First book on the list is:  web 2.0:  how-to for educators by Gwen Solomon and Lynne Schrum  (yes the letters in the title are lowercase on the book.)  This book starts with an introduction defining web 2.0 and discussing why schools should be looking at some of these tools.  It also warns of the "Bandwagon" effect.  Finally the 8 C's are introduced.  (I might talk about some of this in later blog posts.)

The first chapter is all about Blogs - a combination of the words Web Log.  In this blog post - I will share some of Solomon and Schrum's ideas and will include some of my own ideas.  I hope that if you are not using blogs in your classroom - you will consider this tool - if you are using blogs - maybe you will share with your colleagues some ideas to get them using this.

If you are concerned about having students posting blogs and some of the risks involved - consider the following:

• See if you school has set up an educational domain through google.  Students will have an email and access to blogs (through blogger and their google account).  Blog posts can be set up to only accept comments from people in that domain.
• Teach students to set up their blogs so that they have to moderate comments.
• Use one of the following designed for educational use:

1. ePals 
2. 21classes 
3. Class Blogmeister 
4. Gaggle  

Why are blogs useful?

Blogs encourage communication and thinking skills.  Because the blog will be public - students are writing to more than just their teacher.  Their thoughts and comments are on the web immediately.  Students can also get feedback quickly.  Whether this feedback is from their teacher, other students, or students in the global community.  Students can also read each other's posts and respond.  This encourages more thinking and communication.

How can teachers use blogs?

As teachers, we are being asked to look at writing across the curriculum.  We are being asked to do more in our classrooms - sometimes with less time.  Blogs can help in both of these areas.  Given a topic in any subject - students can create a blog post.  This could either be done in class or as part of their homework.   Students have to think a little more about their response since they will have an "authentic audience".    Sometimes students will be more motivated to put together a strong response knowing that others will see it. Using the comments - others may respond to the bloggers comments.  

Let's look at the C's

Creativity -- blogs encourage creativity.  Students can decide how they want to present an idea.  They can also embed images, videos, or other media.  (This can also be a good chance to talk about copyright laws).

Collaboration -- Students can post their writing on a blog.  They can do peer editing and peer review and leave comments for each other.  Students are able to work collaboratively on their times and within their busy schedules.

Communication -- If blogging is used over time - students will practice communication skills and get reinforcement in the process.

Connections -- Students are connected to a network of their teachers, fellow students, and other in the global community.   They can also learn that their words can make an impact.

Critical Thinking -- To write effectively - students will need to think about what they want to write.  They will need to organize their facts, opinions, etc.  They will then need to put this together in a logical fashion.  "Writing is thinking critically."

Using Blogs for Professional Development

Blogs can be great ways for teachers to improve.   Whether you are writing and reflecting on your own teaching, reading other teacher's blogs, or using one within your PLC to discuss and plan.  Another example is an online professional reading group.  An example is CM Russell High School in Great Falls MT.  Not sure if they are actively using this - but the concept is great.

Thoughts on How to Use blogs

Computer Applications (or English class) -- Write a superhero story.  Students need to come up with a Super Hero.  First post is introducing the superhero.  Second post is introducing the Villain.  Next post could be setting up the conflict.  You can go from there.  

Health class -- Students visit a Head Start class - instead of writing a paper about their observations - they wrote blog posts.  In their post - they wrote about observations of what the children were doing and discussed age appropriate responses.  Since they knew that this was a "public" document - they put a little more thought into their writing.

English class -- Students are put into reading groups.  They need to "discuss" their reading by way of a blog post and comments.  Groups change every couple of weeks.  Those in the group could be reading the same novel or different ones.  

Any Class -- Think about anytime you are having students write paragraphs - keep a journal - or do any other writing - Could they do this in a blog and make the activity more meaningful?

Please share any ideas you may have about blogging.  How you have used in your classroom, or want to use it in your classroom.  If you have any questions - feel free to contact me.

Still learning....