I would like to consider how best to use a Blog in my classroom. Currently I teach 4th grade all subjects. In my classroom I use the Quality Learning approach as developed by David Langford. One of the many elements of this approach is student input and responsibility regarding their learning experience. A tool I use is called a Parking Lot. The Parking Lot is used for students to post what they feel is going well, questions, concerns, issues and ideas for improving the teaching and learning going on in the classroom. It is in the form of a poster and I feel a Blog would be a great replacement. As a class we would all have access and would be able to have discussions.
I would also like to use a Blog for the purpose of journaling. One of our morning routines is to write in a journal. The students have the option to write to a supplied prompt or to free write for a set period of time. Many students do not enjoy the physical act of writing, however, put them on a lap top and their keyboarding skills are phenomenal. A Blog might encourage my reluctant writers to contribute.
Hi. I like the parking lot idea and the journaling idea. Would you attend the computer lab for the journaling online, or do you have enough access in the classroom? We have a laptop cart...I am just not sure if could schedule it more than every other week or so. Hmmm. any idea?
ReplyDelete-Tonya Todd
For students who have access to computers in their class, this would be a great option. Like Tonya said, it might be difficult to schedule access to the computer lab. Blogs have a great use in the classroom. I just wonder if you think your students may be to young to have this kind of access to a blog? The Parking Lot sounds like a great alternative to an actual blog. If you do decide to branch out and start a blog, make sure it is setup to provide a safe environment for your students.
ReplyDeleteI am lucky enough to have a cart in my room. All of my students have lap tops so computer access is not the issue. As Laura points out, it is the challenge of providing a safe environment that I am concerned about. I am not yet confident in my knowledge of blogs to take this on yet, but I remain hopeful. Tonya, it sounds like acess to computers is an issue for your class. Do you have a desktop in your class? Maybe in the meantime you could put small groups on the desktop and they could post. It is not the ideal situation but at least they have an opportunity to be exposed.
ReplyDeleteI only wish we had access to individual computers. My 27 students typing on the 4 computers in my room is just not possible. I only wish that every student had access to the web (and my blog) at home and could journal in response to a homework activity.
ReplyDeleteThe parking lot is a clever way to get students involved in classroom ownership. It would be interesting to put it on a blog, and I am not sure how that would work with blogs being so public. With responsible use it seems that it should work well. As for journaling online, I wonder if students would be as honest publishing for the world to see as they would be publishing for classroom use. I also wondered if you had resources available for all students or just for a select few.
ReplyDeleteYes, you are lucky to have a laptop cart in the room... I am happy your children are able to be exposed to technology in that way. A collegue and I are talking about getting together and writing some grants this summer, so maybe we can get some needed technology. If that doesn't work then I guess I will schedule lab time. Thanks for your response and suggestions.
ReplyDelete-Tonya Todd
That's a great idea to have students journal. In high school, I wish I would have had more opporunities to work on my writing skills. Are students going to be alloted class time on this, or will they do so in their free time?
ReplyDeleteSounds great!
ReplyDeleteLesia