I know that in yesterday's class I had expressed my concerns about blogging. What I didn't get the chance to talk about was how I have thought about how I can use this tool in my job as a teacher. Below is a short video on where ideas come from. I feel that this explains why I can't just sit and write a post very easily.
I like the idea of having a blog to keep my students aware of resources available to them for free on the web. I would like to find different YouTube videos that can help explain topics we are covering in class or can show the historical perspective on how these concepts were created. During a regular school year, there is not enough time in the day to accomplish all of this. However, if I can meet the students somewhere they feel comfortable, and get them to spend some time away from socializing, it will all be worth while.
I also like the blog for relaying information to my students. This past winter, we had several snow storms in the middle of our exams. Instead of having to answer dozens of questions, I could have posted on my blog what the schedule was going to be. More importantly, if parents wanted to check out the blog, they could find out about homework, tests, etc. so that there would not be any questions about the happenings in my class.
I am aware that recently blogs and education have come under attack with a teacher in the Central Bucks School District and another one in the Philadelphia School District. The media have given the public the perception that blogs are dangerous, and therefore we should avoid them. However, my blog would not be my soapbox to voice my opinion about local politics or the community.
In the end, I am glad that I had the opportunity to have this trial run, and I am looking forward to bigger and better things in the future.
Great video. Steve Johnson mentions how the exchange of ideas is instrumental to innovation and creativity. Your uses above described are sure to be beneficial in this way. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI was leery about the whole process in the beginning as well, but in the end it does have so much potential value for kids. The ability to communicate to everyone, everywhere is becoming more and more essential to survive in the world today, and our kids should be learning that as well. We can get this point across by being more accessible through things like blogs.
ReplyDeleteI now agree with your comments as well. Blogging has a lot of posibilities in the classroom. I can tell you are on a roll!
ReplyDeleteGreat points it is a scary world out there and we must be careful but as long as we keep blogging professional and not personal we can avoid situations where inappropriate comments are made and focus in on a very helpful educational resource that can add exposure, and emphasis to important topics. Keep up the good work you have good and valid points!!!
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