Another day, another blog post. Today's topic is one that I enjoyed daydreaming over: What can I apply to my future classroom? How can blogs be used by students?
One way that I would apply the blogosphere to my lessons is by using a blog to replace a book report. How boring is it to read a book and then type a __ page response and summary? I would much rather have discussions about a book rather than just read paper after paper (after paper) where students get information from CliffsNotes. I actually already put blogging into a lesson plan that I created for RDG 5040. I wanted to have the students react to a text by using technology as a way of discussion. I chose Night by Elie Wiesel. BTW, this is a book that everyone should read, not just students in a history class.
This blog could turn out several different ways:
1. The teacher can post questions and have the students answer.
2. The students can post cathartic responses at predetermined points of the text.
3. Both teacher and students can use the blog as a discussion board where commenting on other students post is required.
4. Any combination of these three would be effective.
Another way that I want to use blogs in the classroom is to have a Question and Answer blog. I could have one for each class for students to ask questions. Students can ask for clarification on lectures and homework assignments. This would be similar to the Murky Waters portion of a D2L class here at APSU. I could post the syllabus as well as homwork assignments. I would love to also attach worksheets and/or handouts to make it easier for students who miss class.
Ok! Onward and upward!
Three down and twenty to go!
Katy, great post. I think the blogs will make life much easier on educators in providing updates, reminders, and notifications to our students and their parents. No more worries in regards to the letter that the student tends to forget to deliver. Our only worry now is that the parents and students utilize the blog system to obtain the information provided.
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