If closely monitored and used in an appropriate way, blogs can be an effective tool within the classroom.
An online blog can enable students to acquire and maintain a bank of information where they can not only store information, but reflect on their learning. These blogs can also act as a tool for teachers to check for learning, and inform further lessons.
Peer assessment is also possibly through the use of a blog. Students would upload their work, and their peers could comment on this work. However, very clear rules and regulations would need to be established prior to this happening. Teachers would need to monitor this closely to avoid issues such as plagiarism and cyber-bullying. Collaborative learning between students is also possible through blogs as each student will be able to read each other’s blogs then reflect on their own, making changes where they feel appropriate.
Blogs could also help teachers keep in contact with absent students and be used as a tool to keep parents, care-givers and support staff up to date with class information.
Yes! Three core themes here - store, reflect, connect. I like it. Your early consideration of safety online is valuable, and well conceptualized - thank you.
ReplyDeleteNow a little more context - how could blogs be useful for YOUR students?
Hi April I had never considered using blogs as a teaching aid for students who are absent from class for a period of time, good idea. It sounds like a modern version of the “School Of The Air”.
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy,
ReplyDeleteWithin the Film and TV classroom they would be very useful as a production journal. Given that productions change and develop greatly over the course of completion, students could reflect on their changes and developments. Also given the technical nature of the subject, they could be used as collaborative study guide for all students to see and share their learning of production tools and programs.
Thanks,
April