I have been thrilled to see what incredible things students can do with their blogs. It is astounding how little time it takes for them to become familiar with the blogger interface and then interact with it creatively.
Sarah's Canadian History Blog
Ally's Canadian History Blog
Maya's Elsewhere Blog (final project in Literature Circles study of Elsewhere, by Gabrielle Zevin)
Miss P's Canadian History Blog - check out all the student blog links along the right hand side
Thursday 15 July 2010
Wednesday 14 July 2010
The Three Part Blogging Lesson
When teaching a new concept on blogs, I typically create a three-part lesson.
First, we explore a new concept by looking at websites that already exist and picking out a particular area of focus (links, tags, adding images, commenting, etc.). The exploration can be done as a class on a media cart or a Smart Board or by having students working in pairs and searching collaboratively on the Internet for the designated concept.
Secondly, I model how to set this up. Alternately, and preferably, I have a student model this. I typically use a media cart with Internet access for this portion, and use an account I have set up on blogger.
Finally, students work independently, in pairs, or in small groups to apply the new concept to their own blogs. There are usually several students designated as "Tech Experts" who get their work done quickly and then circulate as needed. Students who need help can ask one of them by sending a message or comment to him or her or calling over a "Tech Expert" who is walking around the lab. As the teacher, I am also available to help students at the own work stations or at the media cart. Often, a group will need a second demonstration or an opportunity to walk through the process step-by-step, and I will do that with them and project it onto the screen as we work (in order to help others as well).
Once students have posted their work, I am easily able to go through and check for understanding. Depending on the concept or task, I create a rubric or checklist to assess their work.
First, we explore a new concept by looking at websites that already exist and picking out a particular area of focus (links, tags, adding images, commenting, etc.). The exploration can be done as a class on a media cart or a Smart Board or by having students working in pairs and searching collaboratively on the Internet for the designated concept.
Secondly, I model how to set this up. Alternately, and preferably, I have a student model this. I typically use a media cart with Internet access for this portion, and use an account I have set up on blogger.
Finally, students work independently, in pairs, or in small groups to apply the new concept to their own blogs. There are usually several students designated as "Tech Experts" who get their work done quickly and then circulate as needed. Students who need help can ask one of them by sending a message or comment to him or her or calling over a "Tech Expert" who is walking around the lab. As the teacher, I am also available to help students at the own work stations or at the media cart. Often, a group will need a second demonstration or an opportunity to walk through the process step-by-step, and I will do that with them and project it onto the screen as we work (in order to help others as well).
Once students have posted their work, I am easily able to go through and check for understanding. Depending on the concept or task, I create a rubric or checklist to assess their work.
Blogging with students
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Welcome to Blog Along with Me, a tiny corner of the web for teachers to learn collaboratively about creating blogs with students.
This blog will contain a number of different discussions in order to get teachers started on understanding how and why to use blogs in the classroom. Hopefully some of the ideas posted here will help you to implement blogging into your teaching!
Stay tuned for topics like:
-how to use blogs
-computer skills students need to begin blogging
-advantages and disadvantages of using blogs as a teaching strategy
-Ontario curriculum links
-cross curricular links
-why blogs appeal to learners with different learning styles and learning strengths
-modifying blogging assignments for learners with special needs
-how to plan for and implement blogging into your teaching
-planning checklist for teachers
-possible assessment techniques
-materials to support student learning
-suggested resources for further exploration
Please feel free to join in the discussion! Leave a comment or question and I'll do my best to respond appropriately or find you someone who can!
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