Blogging in Education
Blogs, short for Web logs, are basically online journals or diaries. Students can use blogs to practice their writing and communication skills. Teachers can use blogs to promote classroom discussions, post assignments, and share what is happening in the classroom. On this page I will share some information and resources that can help you get started with blogging in your classroom.
Why blog with kids?
- Blogging is motivational. Blogs can be especially motivational for students who are not motivated to write during regular classroom activities.
- Blogs allow the students to write for an authentic audience. As a result students write with more clarity and accuracy. It allows them to see their writing as relevant beyond the classroom.
- Blogs allow students to receive feedback on their ideas and ability to communicate.
- Kids love blogging.
- Blogs can extend learning beyond the classroom by allowing students to comment and contribute at home or other places where the Internet is available.
For more information ready Anne Davis’ “Rationale for Blogging“.
Ideas for how to use classroom blogs:
- Reflect on stories or readings that have been completed in class.
- Conduct research and report findings.
- Answer questions posed by the teacher or by other students.
- Publish poems and stories. Have other students comment on the entries (two hearts and a star).
- Blog about a specific subject or event.
Getting started with blogging:
Before your kids start blogging,
- Take time to teach your students blogging etiquette and blogging safety. You may want to have the students develop a list of what type of topics and comments are appropriate. Discuss the importance of respect.
- Students should not publish their full name or important personal details.
- Discuss your expectations for the length of entries and conventions.
- Communicate with your parents about blogging and what the students will be doing.
- Have clear expectations, rules, and consequences.
- Start slow until students get used to how the system works.
- Start by assigning one blog entry per week on a class topic. Give students feedback on what makes a good blog entry and what makes a good comment.
- Encourage students to comment on each others blogs.
- Grade students on their blog entries. Have a rubric or list of what you will be looking for to help the students.
Blogging resources:
- TheEdublogger – This blog is dedicated to helping teachers use Edublogs. There are step-by-step manuals, how-to videos, information on the how and why of educational blogging. A must see site.
- Always Learning-Blogging is Elementary Post – Kim Cofino shares how she introduced blogging in an elementary school. Nice lesson-by-lesson information.
- 50 Useful Blogging Tools for Teachers
- Moving Forward – A site to find resources related to K-12 blogging, includes examples of different educational blogs.
- Blogging with Elementary Students
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