Blogs

What is a blog? short for web log. a collaborative Web publishing tool. can be set up using links, images and other web site features. can be set up like a diary or journal and allow comments made by others. allows comments to be made virtually any time. creates a classroom without walls.

Ties to Marzano’s HYIS Setting Objectives & Providing Feedback Blogs allow teachers to facilitate online discussions and differentiate student learning. Teachers and students can provide feedback to posts. Summarizing and Note Taking Blogs provide an outlet for reciprocal teaching. This form of peer teaching has four components: (1) summarizing, (2) questioning, (3) clarifying, and (4) predicting. Blogs allow students to use this strategy. More in-depth conversations can take place because the blog extends beyond the classroom walls and time frame. Reinforcing Effort & Providing Recognition Teachers can create a Hall of Fame on their blog, highlighting and linking to student work.

Blog Benefits user-friendly technology. motivating to students, especially for those who may not participate in class. an excellent opportunity to promote literacy. provide effective forums for collaboration and discussion. motivate students to produce better writing. provide the opportunity for students to reflect on their work.

Using Blogs in the Classroom students can practice and benefit from peer review. everyone has an equal opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions. everyone has time to react to ideas and reflect on learning. provides the opportunity for students to communicate locally and globally.

Specific Examples use as an issue bin – a principal’s blog have students reflect on assignment/activity (plus/delta/OFI) provide a math problem, writing prompt, or question of the day to elicit responses – Mrs. Cassidy’s blog create a blog for different reading groups use as question/answer board or “Ask an Expert” forum

More examples… have students respond to a blog taking on the persona of a historical person use to discuss current events/topic of study - Mr. Reid’s blog students/teacher can evaluate a website or post favorite sites use with Battle of the Books club or have a general Book Blog

Things to consider Grading Rubrics for posts Editing comments Time commitment (keeping posts updated; approving comments)

Preparing Students to Blog Student AUPs Guidelines and Purpose Safe, acceptable, and sensible behavior No complete names, e-mail accounts, or references to reveal location Clear Expectations Blog Guidelines Example

Blog Examples on the Internet You may want to begin by showing students examples of different blogs. Wild About Math Road Sign Math Book Battle Blog New Hope Elementary Book Blog NASA Anderson Cooper’s CNN Blog Science Friday Scholastic News Blog

Blog Resources for Educators Blog Basics Blog Ideas for the Classroom Log on to a Blog Blogging and RSS - The "What’s It?" and "How To" of Powerful New Web Tools for Educators

Let’s create a blog in Schoolwires!!!