I have found several informative websites, which I have begun to research. I have talked with my mentor about how she has incorporated a blog into her teaching. I still want to talk to other teachers that have experience with blogs, but being summer it is a hard time to get hold of the.
So, far in my creating a blog for student exploration I have learned that I will have to find a blog site, that is easy to use. The hardest part I have been told is keeping up with overseeing each students blogs. One teacher said that she did it and the students lost interest part way through the school year. So, I have to think of ways to keep them engaged.
So, the new questions I have is, “how do you keep students engaged in a year long project?” First off, I don’t have to use it throughout the year, but have students create their blog as a new technical skill and to have them use their blogs as a journaling tool on a consistent, but not weekly basis.
If anyone reading this blog has any suggestions, I would appreciate it if you added your comments here.
Jodie
ReplyDeleteYou have posed a good question. I'm sure that in the beginning of the year, the students will be exited to begin their blog project, but as the year continues, they may grow tired of it. One idea that I had was to post real-life scenario questions that will keep the students engaged, or ones where there is no definite answer. I see you teach math, so this could be more difficult. However, in my experiences, anything that the students can relate their everyday life to, the more they are interested in it. Hope this helps!
Jodie,
ReplyDeleteYou brought up two great questions! I was going to set up a classroom blog and use it in a similar fashion. Picking the brains of colleagues who currently use a blog is a great idea.
I too am challenged by the thought of keeping up with students posts. Unfortunately there seems to always be students who will test the limits. Like you said, using the blogs on a bi-weekly schedule may make it easier to keep up on and be used just enough to keep it feel "new" to students.
I was thinking about using the blog to allow students to give their opinions on lessons. For example, what aspects helped them, what they still struggle with using a three stars and a wish idea.
Eileen
Jodie, If you set up blogs for your students will they use their own personal e-mail address or will they be through your schools network. Much like what teachers have.
ReplyDeleteRay I like the idea of posting real-life questions. Something that keeps the students interested.
ReplyDeleteEileen, I like the idea of using the blog for student feedback.
You have given me lots to think about.