Writing, critiquing, analyzing, research chronicle, journaling, sharing projects.
Replace the traditional 'log' notebook. Teacher can review log without student handing it in and being without it while it's being graded.
Students are more engaged in the writing process. they have a global audience, parents can be more involved, students can learn from each other, connections with students around the world.
Ways to use blogs:
Instructor sets up a blog and post topics for discussion. Students & instructors interact in the comments section
Students are co-editors of your blog and can post topics for discussion. Students & instructors interact through the comments section.
Each participant has their own blog that they can use for writing, reflection on a project, chronicle of a research project Instructor and other students can monitor blogs and participate through the comments.
Why let our students blog
(video from Rachel Boyd - an educator in New Zealand)
(video interview with Kathy Cassidy, 3rd grade teacher)
"they feel differently about themselves as writers"
"they have a global audience"
"you have to take little steps"
"start with what you think will work for you"
Examples:
Student Learning projects
Room 9 Nelson Central's Blog - Fun example of classroom blog. The students are aged 6 & 7. And see the next blog ....
Room 9's Writing Spot - "This blog is written independently by Room 9 students. Our work is not corrected by our teacher.
The Writing Spot is a special spot where we can express ourselves freely."
Guerrilla Season Blog - Join 8th grade American History students at South Valley Jr High in Liberty, Missouri as they read Guerrilla Season by Pat Hughes. Check out the video from TeacherTube about the project.
Applied Math 40S Winter 2009 - Class notes & discussions. Students are responsible for summarizing what was covered in class.
The NMH Library Reading Room High School Library Blog - Northfield Mount Hermon School, Northfield (MA) Highlights student workers, student book picks and more. Very student oriented.
21classes.com - Set up a classroom blog and each student can have their own sub-blog.
Class Blogmeister - This blogging service was set up with educators in mind. logs can be password. Set up a blog, add students as participants, review their work before it's posted.