Why+Blog+in+the+Classroom

The Benefits of Blogging...

While blogs provide teachers a quick and easy way to share information with students, there are additional benefits to blogging. Blogs...


 * Help motivate students, especially those who might not otherwise actively participate in classroom discussions.
 * Provide multiple opportunities for students to read and write
 * Engage students in forums, collaborative opportunities, and discussions.

Using Blogs in the Classroom:

Blogs can serve at least four basic functions:

1. Classroom Management

Classroom blogs can help create a community of learners. Because they can be updated frequently, they can be used to convey class requirements, post handouts, notices, and homework assignments, or act as a question and answer board.

2. Collaboration

Blogs provide a space where teachers and students can work to further develop writing and other skills. The fact that posts are immediately viewable gives the students an increased desire to produce higher quality products. Teachers can offer instructional tips and students can practice and benefit from peer review. They also make online mentoring possible. For example, a class of older students can help a class of younger students develop more confidence in their writing skills. Students can also participate in cooperative learning activities that require them to relay research findings, ideas, or suggestions.

3. Discussions

A class blog opens the opportunity for students to discuss topics outside of the classroom. With a blog, every person has an equal opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions. Students have time to be reactive to one another and reflect on their thoughts. Teachers can also bring together a group of knowledgeable individuals for a given unit of study for students to network and conference with on a blog.

4. Student Portfolios

Blogs present, organize, and protect student work as digital portfolios. As older entries are archived, developing skills and progress may be analyzed. Additionally, as students realize their efforts will be published, they are typically more motivated to produce better writing. Teachers and peers may conference with a student individually on a developing work, and expert or peer mentoring advice can be easily kept for future reference.

Things to consider...


 * Since most districts have an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), the terms and conditions of the policy must be strictly enforced.
 * Expectations must be clearly identified so students know exactly what is acceptable and unacceptable. It is important to discuss language use, style, and etiquette.
 * Students must be taught how to consider the content of their postings to avoid posting anything defamatory, libelous, insulting, or in violation of copyright laws.

Getting the kids ready...

Determine that all students' AUPs are in place and up to date. Inform parents of the fact that their students will be blogging and secure any necessary permissions. Teach students safe, acceptable, and sensible behavior as online authors and readers. Teach students about internet security: no posting of full names, email addresses, or information someone could use to identify their location. Set clear expectations regarding tone, respect, and consequences.

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