In this module we examined the pros and cons of using blogs for education. I really enjoyed seeing everyone's blogs, as well as creating my own blog, although I would prefer to create a blog that would be more useful. I feel kind of self-centered publishing my reflections online. Is that weird? I would rather put something out there that would be more helpful to other people.
It was really exciting to see how some of my classmates are using or are planning to use blogs with the classes they teach. Lots of great ideas! This was really the first time that I felt like people were really helping each other with so many good suggestions. The blog seems so versatile! It was also easy to set up, so a teacher could easily use it. The problem is with the time it takes to read through a blog with lots of students' posts. Right now, I teach 4 classes with a total of almost 300 students. To stay sane, I need to be careful about the types of assessments I use. I especially appreciated Datta Kaur's tip on downloading blogging software and creating your own site, so that privacy would not be an issue (ex.: http://b2evolution.net).
Since blogs are relatively new, I believe that it will take some time to see their lasting power as a tool. The Wang & Fang article espoused many positives about how blogs affect learning. Like any tool that a teacher uses, the effects depend on how it is used. It still takes good crafting to make the blog work well as an instrument of learning. For some great tips for teachers (including online safety), go to http://www.teachingtips.com/blog.
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2 comments:
Ginnie, 300 students is wild! You will definitely need to form groups and then have each group post blog updates - maybe once every 2 weeks. Alternate weeks they could read posts instead of posting.
You mentioned 'young' students - too young would not make for very effective blogging however.
Datta Kaur
I totally agree, Datta Kaur! It is better than the 550 students I had my first year. The e-storm article really speaks to this, with the student numbers. There is also an issue with funding. Traditional public schools are fighting for the funding that we should have. My students are 4th- 6th graders, so I think blogging could work with practice.
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