My Class Blog
This year I began using a blog with my Math 7 Class. I have found much success with using the blog in the room. Students have used it as one of four stations, as extra credit, also as a whole class assignment. I find it is very helpful so I do not have to have the students type in lengthy websites or frequently ask for directions when we transition into the computer lab. Even if used infrequently, when used in class, the students are more engaged and on task. I have not taught them yet how to post comments, so they are mostly disabled. On the downside, some of my students do not have Internet access at home and most parents have yet to check out the blog. I posted this both to share all the links I have found but also to look for comments that might dialogue about best practices when it comes to blogging in the classroom.
How exactly do you use the blog in the classroom? Do the students have computers in the classroom or do you just use it in the computer lab. I am at a disadvantage that many of my students do not have computer access at home so their ability to interact with a blog is limited.
ReplyDeleteSorry I hit enter too quickly!! Anyway I created a Scholastic.com webpage(free) which I use to help students when we are in the computer lab to get them quickly to destinations without having to type in the long URLs and the like. It does not have the ability for them to post comments so I will have to check out the blogging idea - I would like feedback.
ReplyDeleteI have also used the blog in my classroom. We are using our community blogs/websites. I am able to post homework and accept questions about homework as well. There was an issue with access to the internet, but I just make sure all the assignments I give can be posted back on the blog and nothing must be printed. This way, students can access the information at home, a relative's house or the library.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, I give them plenty of time to get to the assignments. I have been pleasantly surprised at how many students have been on the website. Some have even gone on to just say "HEY - MRS. DAVIS" - 6th graders are very cute.
I am very interested in using a blog in my classroom. How do I go about setting it up? Do I need several computers? Does it use up instructional time or is it used for free time only? I would want my students to comment on blogs, so how would I set that up?
ReplyDeleteI too am using a new dashboard site that includes a blog. I have found that many students are not checking into my site and posting things on my blog despite me trying to leave personal messages to students to entice them to visit. Any other suggestions? Most of my students do have computer access.
ReplyDeleteHi Kristen,
ReplyDeleteI use my edublog site very similar to yours but would like to expand the idea further and implement blogging more widely in the classroom. I am very new to the idea and it has only been up and running for 3 months now. edublogs can be accessed from school but I do not require access from home because so many students do not have internet at home.
Thank you all for the feedback!
One suggestion I heard from a collegue was to offer the students a point or two of extra credit if they post on your blog. I haven't had as much success with it yet, but I'm working on it.
ReplyDeleteI have asked our tech person at our school how to set up a blog. It just seems to be so much more efficient than sending emails. I will keep checking here to see all the great ideas.
ReplyDeleteAny way to save time, involve parents, and get the information out is much needed!
I have started to look into setting up a blog, also. I'm thinking about posting notes, examples, homework assignments, and dates for quizzes and test.
ReplyDelete