Blogging

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Booker's Blog

=Blogging Websites=

Blogging? It's Elementary = BLOGging is Collaborative? = = =
 * Incorporating technology in the classroom cna be as simple as setting up a classroom blog. This article introduced the reader to multiple websites and softwares that will allow them to set up their own account. I found, Think.com, to be quite interesting. Not only is it a blogging tool, but it also is a closed e-mail account. Students can send and receive e-mails only to their classmates. In addition, the article briefly shared ways that elementary teachers could use blogs in their classroom. One teacher used their blog for students to respond to the news.
 * "Student talk" is a concept that I can recall learning about in college. This article, indirectly reiterates the importance of student collaboration and "student talk". Humans innately are social beings. Blogging allows students to communicate their ideas with others. Blogging enables students to continue their learning outside of the classroom. Teachers can attest that there are not enough hours in a school day to get everything done. Student can extend the school day, by accessing their blog from home and continue classroom discussions.

How to Use Blogs in the Classroom = = Learning Management System = = Student Blogs Fit with Classroom Writing = = = = = = = =
 * Some teachers are intimidated by the internet and web 2.0 while others are anxious learners, but just struggle knowing how to incorporate technology in their curriculum. This article presents three basic ways to use blogs in the classroom. 1. Daily Journaling: Teachers can reflect upon their day and communicate with parents what is taking place in their classroom. 2. Student Reflection: In addition to teacher reflection, students can use blogs to reflect upon literature. By extending classroom literature circles to blogs gives students the opportunity to practice written responses. It is important to remind students of proper blogging edict in the classroom context. Meaning they should use correct grammar and spelling. 3. Similar to number 2, blogs can be used in homerooms where students can comment on 'how school is going' or other feelings. Make sure you approve their comments before they are posted.
 * When teachers become comfortable with blogging, it becomes the center piece of their curriculum. Instead of adding blogs to a unit; blogs are the starting point of their lessons. Blogs can be seen as management tool where teachers can gage students learning and comments on their discussions. Viewing blogging as a leaning management system is quite and interesting and challenging concept.
 * When trying to figure out where to incorporate blogs in your curriculum, writing may be one of the easier and obvious answers. This article highlights ways that teachers can use blogs in writing class through: writing personal narratives, summarizing their learning, and reflecting on current events. All three of these are probably already done in a elementary classroom. This article challenges teachers to use blogging as a tool to complete these activities.