Thing 2: Student Blogging & Writing

·         Discuss the resources you explored in this lesson.

I read the three things that were a must, along with empowering students through blogging, making the most out of blogging, and prompts.  These resources were extremely helpful to look at.  Many great aspects of blogging were pointed out.  One thing that spoke to me was that students focus so much on how long essays have to be when turning them in, but blogging takes that away and they care more about the writing they publish online. Therefore, they create their best work. They know their work is important because other people other than their teachers will see it. These resources expressed that all students seem to blossom with the use of technology and the collaboration between each other. 

In addition many of the resources, explained how to explicitly teach and model blogging to get the most of it.  All students should start with the same concept and practice before they are assigned to different assignments.  Also, it will provide opportunity to go over rules and expectations about blogging and why it beneficial to the students.  I love that there were many examples of how teachers introduced blogging to the students.  Many of the writing prompts provided were also very helpful to get ideas of how blogging can be used in the classroom. 

·         Do you see value in the use of blogging with your students?

I do see a value for teachers to use blogging with their students.  I think it is helpful for data and student work to be in one spot.  Also, I think it is helpful for when teachers have conferences with their students.  The teachers can talk about their growth throughout time by using their blogs.  Teachers can also use this as an assessment for their students’ knowledge.

In addition, it helps teachers and students collaborate in a quiet way.  They can collaborate in and out of school and learn from other students throughout their blogging.  I think it is easier, engaging way for students to share and gain new knowledge. It will be develop various skills and learn content.  Also, it gives students who might not have as much confidence with what they are learning to explore other blogs and a conversation they observe might help be the lightbulb for the student.  There are plenty of benefits of blogging for teachers and students. Definitely worth using!

·         How might you use blogs to enhance or transform a student writing project?

I would use blogging for my students’ portfolio.  Since I work with students with disabilities, I would have them use blogging for assignments, then open up the blog to help practice some writing skills that will help them be successful in the classroom and reach their goals.  The blogging could be what my resource room time with my students focus on or use it to complete assignments.  I think this would provide great data for my CSE meetings and help create more effective goals for the following year.  These blogs will be great teaching moments for my students.  They seem to be more confident with using technology, so I think it will help get the most out of my students.

·         Other thoughts about student blogging?

I love the idea of using blogging in the classroom. I think it will bring out the strengths of many students and allow them to grow tremendously as learners.  My frustration might be is getting my co-teachers to use it in their classroom and take advantage of this amazing tool.  I also wonder if it will be as helpful to ENL students who is in their first year learning English.