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Blogs


Definition:
learn_defin
 A web log, or blog, is a special kind of web site where you can post artlcles and receive comments from other people. It fosters collaboration and dialogue between people.
Tools:
learn_usethis
  There are many places where you can create blogs. Some are more suitable for educational settings than others. Some boards have blog software available within their portal.
For possible tools, click here.
How to:
learn_skill
  With younger students you may want to have a class blog.
Some blog platforms (e.g. Class Blogmeister) allow you to set up blogs for each student. All comments received are moderated by the teacher. In this way
You can download this excellent blogging unit by Silvia Tolisano at Langwitches Blog
Pedagogical uses:
learn_idea		 Student Blogs
  • Student blogs can be general (especially for younger students) or for a specific subject - a place for reflection, for giving and providing feedback to their peers or a place to share their work.
  • A class blog may be written by students to be shared e.g. it may have the notes and solutions from math classes. Here is an example.
  • You can explore a variety of class blogs here

Teachers use blogs in different ways.

    * as a kind of web page for the class to keep them informed of events and assignments
    * to provide links to relevant sites for their students
    * to keep parents informed about class activities
    * to invite responses from the students on curriculum topics
    * to provide course notes
    * to encourage reading and writing by their students

Many teachers start with simple uses of blogs and go on to have their students become reflective bloggers who write and respond to the work of others. 
Collaboration in the community:
collab3		  Many educators maintain personal blogs for reflection about their practice. Sharing ideas, getting feedback and participating in the global education conversation is very rewarding.
Safety Issues
Guidelines need to be established whenever students have an online presence.
  • Parental permission is required before students can post on the internet
  • Students should not use their full name
    • some teachers prefer to have students use pseudonymns. These can be chosen by the student or the teacher (one English teacher assigned the names of characters from Shakespeare)
  • Students need to be aware that the blog goes beyond the school - sharing of personal information or writing that could be damaging to others is not acceptable.
Student Blogging Guidelines by Kim Cofino from Tech & Learning
Advantages of Blogging: Students learn respect for each other - through learning to constructively comment on each others' work.
Students write for an authentic audience.
Students may get feedback from people outside the classroom.
More: Articles worth reading

Listen to a podcast with Catherine Barnard and her experience with blogging in a cycle 2 elementary classroom.