Ways to use a blog
A blog is an excellent place for student/teacher communication. The instructor can post links to different websites that are related to the current topic the class is learning. For example, when starting a unit on William Shakespeare, students can explore the posted sites for information on Shakespeare's life, the time period, and the plays for better understanding of the particular piece being studied.
Providing information left out from class or perhaps new details developed from a different period can be posted for students to see on the blog as well. Study materials for upcoming tests can be uploaded, and reminders and information on the next class session's content would be another useful part of having a blog between teacher and students.
Students can do the posting themselves as well. Any questions they may have thought up after class can be submitted to which other students can answer if they log on before the teacher has a chance. If the teacher assigns homework that involves finding a useful website, the blog would be a great place for students to post and the rest to view it.
A blog can have several uses for teachers, students, and even parents to receive an idea of what their children are studying in class.
Ethan: I loved your point about student/teacher communication. The idea that you and your students can elaborate on a topic, comment, and learn from one another is exactly what I'm striving to get from this assignment. The learning community built by blogging can not only help my students learn from me, but they can also learn from each other. More importantly, I can learn from them too! If done correctly, it will also enhance relationships within the class.
ReplyDeleteYea, really good ideas Ethan. I like that a blog can be accessed by parents so that they too can know what all is going on with their children in the classroom. We all know that learning doesn't stop when the students leave the classroom. A blog is a great way to facilitate learning outside of the classroom.
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