1. An idea for how you might use a blog in your classroom.
One method for using a blog in my classroom would be to use it as a discussion board for assignments and homework.
2. What purpose would the blog serve?
The purpose would be to serve as a place for the students to get together as a group to discuss and ask questions on any given assignment or homework. This way, before asking me the question, it gives the students a way to solve their own problems. If I see that everyone is having the same issue, then I can resolve it. Also on homework, students can get on to see if anyone else is having a similar issues or to ask a question on how to apply what was done in class to solve particular problems. This also works great for students that missed a given topic or might have gotten called out of the room.
3. Is it a place for students to interact about content? Is it a showcase for their work? Or?
This definitely gives students a common place to talk about recent content. This could potentially be a place for students to post their work. Instead of handing it in class, they can post it online. This could be more efficient for both the students and me. I believe grades should only be given for the particular student to see. Grades can be rather personal. It needs to be clear that no final answers are given. It will be discussed in class how important plagiarism is and the consequences of it.
4. How does using a blog enhance the lesson?
The blog would not necessarily enhance a specific lesson but it could benefit a whole unit or class. Students spent an ample amount of time on the internet communicating with others, therefore, why not set up a way for them to discuss class work. If they are absent from class, they can go into the blog and ask what they missed from that day and even get the homework so they can have it for the next day.
5. Include your grade level and content area.
The grade level this is intended for would be high school algebra and geometry. This is typically ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade.
6. Include your rationale as to why a blog is a good tool for the instructional context.
My rationale for why a blog is a good tool for the instructional context is because it adds the communication and discussion factor. Sometimes in class, students do not get to communicate as much as we would all like to in a forty minute class period. They might not have the time to ask the questions they might want to. With the use of the blog, they can get online and ask away. Some students might be afraid to ask another students or the teacher for that matter face to face. Communication is key to learning and being successful, a blog aids in accomplishing this goal.
Jason - I think your idea for using a blog in your classroom is wonderful. Students today are so tech driven, and including this feature in your classroom should enhance their learning, especially since it can be utilized outside the classroom and on any day of the week. You mention how important communication is during a class, what I am curious about is how you intend to reach every student in your class? One issue I have had in my own classroom is that all of my students do not have internet access or a computer at home. Will you give these students a chance to participate in the blog during class time? Another issue I am noticing is that sometimes high school students are not the best at being completely honest. I would worry that some students would use the blog to benefit them for a homework assignment by asking for answers. Although a lot more effort on the teacher, I would suggest screening posts before they are posted to the blog. I have found that feature with my own classroom blog, as I have had students writing silly comments just for the sake of being silly. In this case, I delete the comment before anyone can even see it. I hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteThey are all good questions and recommendations. I am working with high school students so most of them will have time throughout the day to respond if they need to. Our school has a computer lab they can use and they can manage their time by staying after if they need to. I also plan on on monitoring all comments so that answers will not be given. If think the blog is a good way for students to ask question if they aren't sure how to do something but they will know a head of time to never just give an answer, especially since work needs to be shown. Thank you for your suggestions.
ReplyDeleteJason- I like how you pointed out that sometimes students get the opportunity to share everything that they wanted to or ask the questions that they needed to in the short forty minute period. Blogging is a great way to get everyone involved in a non-threatening way. Internet at home can be an issue, but one that can be easily solved. If the students have an assignment that requires them to use the internet, it is the student’s responsibility to get to the library or stay after school and use the computer lab. It is also the teacher’s responsibility to allow some class time to at least let the students know their options on finding a computer. You may even want to try to collaborate with other subjects, such as English. The students could essentially get a grade for two classes with one assignment. They could be graded on content with your class and structure and grammar for English. Blogging gives each student a voice and a freedom to ask anything!
ReplyDeleteThey are all good recommendations. Thank you for your post!
ReplyDelete