Internet Online
Course Module
Students
will be able to establish a blog for their particular age groups and subject
matter.
Students
will incorporate educational technology into the classroom environment.
Most
computer savvy people these days know what a blog is and may actually have
one. For those who may be a little
behind the rest technologically, a blog or “web log” is a frequent,
chronological diary or journal of personal thoughts, pictures and web
links. In essence a blog is a mix of
what is happening in the writer’s life and on the web.
Essentially,
blogs serve as an outlet for a person’s thoughts, feelings, beliefs and
adventures and everyone will soon have one!
Lots of adults have them to share experiences in business and
pleasure. Teens have them to share with
their peers. Even elementary students
are starting blogs just to make friends and have fun!
As
educators, we need to capitalize on this new trend. We need to see blogs as a learning experience and incorporate
them into our classrooms. Blogs are
truly great writing exercises and could be used to share information on class
lessons and projects. All teachers can
incorporate blogs in some way, but first we must know how they work.
Your
assignment for this lesson involves learning about and creating blogs. Begin by visiting http://classblogmeister.com/
which is an educator’s blog. Read about
blogs and familiarize yourself with what a blog is and what the potential is
for creating a blog. You should also
visit Education World Online and read about the
uses of blogs in all types of classrooms today.
Now
you know about blogs: how they are created, what their uses are, and what
educators are doing with blogs in their classrooms today. Your next task is to set up your own blog
that can be used in the future for your classes. To begin this process go to http://www.blogger.com which is a free site
that will help you set up a blog using preformatted templates. Decide how you want to use your blog. It may be for a classroom activity, student
reflections, sharing yourself with your students, communicating with parents,
etc. Once you have made this decision
you are ready to begin adding your information and photographs. You can also customize your blog.
Once
you have finished creating your blog email the new address to your instructor
and post a link for your new blog site to the McDaniel web server.
Blogging Responses
(Excellent = 2 Satisfactory = 1 Unsatisfactory = 0)
|
Integration/synthesis
of Concepts and Principles |
Critical Thinking |
Applications and Personal Examples |
Writing standards |
Timeliness |
|
The blog exemplifies mastery of blog site
development and demonstrates an integration of concepts and principals
applicable to the classroom environment. |
Blog
demonstrates use of upper level thinking (analysis, synthesis, evaluation)
and illustrates a thoughtful approach to the content. |
The blog site establishes personal
connection with students and community and illustrates usefulness of
technology in the classroom. |
The writing from blogging posts is clear,
concise, and easy to understand. Ideas and responses are communicated clearly
and coherently. |
The responses are submitted on or before
the due date. |