Web+2+Blog

The above was originally published April 28, 2009 at http://useweb2.blogspot.com/2009/04/ive-go-that-bloggin-feelin.html Will Richardson states that, “Our students’ realities in terms of the way they communicate and learn are very different from our own. By and large they are “out there” using a wide variety of technologies that they are told they can’t use when they come to school”. Learning in a Web 2.0 world is all about being able to construct, develop, sustain, and participate in a global environment. As educators, we must tap into the potentials that these tools give us for learning. A Weblog or Blog is one of those tools.

So what is the difference between a Website and a Blog? The difference is what you find there. Blogs are comprised of reflections and conversations that in many cases are updated every day (or whenever the blogger decides to post information). Blogs engage readers with ideas and questions and links. They ask readers to think about the topic at hand, reflect and respond. Blogs are a collaborative space …. The readers become a part of the writing and learning process.

Current research by Fernette and Brock Eide shows that Blogging has a very positive impact on all students. They found that Blogs can: · Promote critical and analytical thinking · Be a powerful promoter of creative, intuitive, and associational thinking · Promote analogical thinking · Be a powerful medium for increasing access and exposure to quality information · Combine the best of instructional reflection and social interaction

What can Blogs do to improve student learning? 1. Blogs are a constructivist tool for 21st century learning. Teachers and students create Web content that becomes a part of a wider body of knowledge for a wider audience. 2. Blogs expand the walls of the classroom. Students can connect with other students, information, and experts from around the world. 3. Blogs archive the learning that the person or class gathers. 4. Blogs support different learning styles. 5. Blogs have been shown to enhance student mastery in a particular subject. Their learning becomes focused. 6. Blogs teach our students the new literacies that they will need to be successful in our digital world.

While Blogs are a natural fit for reading and writing, educators are finding ways to utilize Blogs into all areas of the curriculum! Here are two examples:

Calculus ([] ) · Introduce new concepts · Share links and ideas with students · Forum for discussion about the class

Biology ([] ) · The collaborative process of science · Links to resources · Follow-up on ideas discussed · Posting of interesting and “beyond the book” resources

Blogs can happen at any grade level. Check out Club Penguin ([]) or Webkinz ([]). These sites are examples of social learning and beginning Blogging for our younger students!

· Create a reflective journal blog to o Reflect on your teaching experiences o Post class-related information such as calendars or events o Post assignments based on subject content o Gather and organize resources and links for class projects/assignments
 * Teacher Uses of Blogs:**

· Start a class blog to o Start an online Book Club o Showcase student work o Promote reflection and reaction to thought-provoking questions

· Create individual or group Blogs o Gather and organize group project work o To develop and maintain an electronic portfolio o Link with other students Blogs to compare and comment on work or projects

Regardless of how you use Blogs in your classroom, make sure that you always talk to your students about Internet Safety! This may mean only using first names or having students use pseudonyms. Always make sure that parents know and are comfortable with what you are doing. If your school division allows Blogging, they may have procedures that you will need to follow!

So what happens when your school division does not allow Blogging? 1. Ask your division to consider a Blogging site that is specifically for Education. Inappropriate material is filtered. ([]) 2. Blogs can be a part of some software programs such as Microsoft SharePoint. The software applications can be set inside a school division firewall for added security. 3. Consider having students participate in secure Blogs that you set up as part of an after school project or homework.

School Divisions are charged with keeping our students safe, whether it is on the bus, on the playground, or on the Internet. Some school divisions have embraced Blogs as a valuable learning tool… others may still be trying to figure out the safety issues. Be patient … help make the powers that be more informed …. be persistent!