Joanne Prettyman
SLM 521
Course Module
Blogging
Objectives:
Students
will be able to define the term “blogging;” and describe the
relevance of weblogging to the classroom
Students
will be able to establish a weblog connection.
Students
will incorporate this technology into their classroom environment.
Introduction:
Blogging – or
weblogging – is, in short, your creation of a web page with an actual URL
(web address) – which allows you, the creator, to interact with anyone,
anywhere, at anytime!
Weblogs
have been around since the inception of the World Wide Web, although all the
early ones had to be created painstakingly by their owners. The majority of
blogs may appear to be to be diaries – because it’s a very quick
and accessible way of jotting down thoughts. The blog is, however, constantly
evolving, and has developed from its origins as a personal web site. It is
probably now better defined as an online journal, distinguished by its mixture
of comment, reflection and a network of links. All blogs share some specific
characteristics:
·
entries (or "posts") are short, informal
and regularly up-dated
·
a blog's contents are displayed in a
reverse-chronological order so that the most recent entry, the latest
information, is at the top of the page
·
each "post" is time-and-date stamped
·
each blog contains links to other blogs - these
form a network of information, connecting bloggers to other bloggers, or to
other pertinent sites.
(http://aps.eu.rmit.edu.au/lsu/resources/classes/blogging/what.html)
Blogging seems to be the
“daily journal” of the new millennium. It is safe (as relatively
safe as anything can be on the www), accessible (all you need is access to the internet),
and time-saving (just type away and you will be heard and seen)! Weblogging
could be a new resource in your classroom – a way to communicate with
your students and their parents from their homes to your classroom. It could
also be a great tool to teach communication, responsibility, deadlines, and how
to properly express one’s feelings.
Activity and
Travel to the
following sites and read general information regarding blogging, its uses in the
classroom and its ethical value to society. Some of the sites are detailed,
some are general. When you visit a detailed site – please take the time
to read the general information in detail, and peruse other links related to
the site.
The purpose of this
reading is to familiarize yourself with the term blogging, its uses in life,
and its uses in the classroom. As you read, add the sites to your favorites, if
necessary, or jot down notes in your activity log as needed!
Jane
Wentworth’s Blogging in the Classroom
Educational Blogging – Stephen Downes
So this is mass
communication?
Technical blogging in the classroom
Weblogs – a History and Perspective
Public
Opinion – What are we doing when we blog?
Assignment:
After
you’ve perused the above sites – go over your notes or revisit some
of the sites that made an impact on you. Complete the following
- Write an opinion (400 words) on
web logging – its definition, its safety, its ethical value in
society, and its uses in the classroom.
- For practice and extra points -
visit one of the sites below and, if you feel comfortable with it, sign-on
and create a blog journal for your classroom.
- Send me your blog URL so I can
respond!
Submission:
Send your essay
to me in a word document and/or post it as an html to your web index page. Send
me an email letting me know it’s on its way and include the link. If you
decided to set-up a blog – send me the URL.
Rubric:
Rubric:
|
|
Unacceptable |
Developing |
Acceptable |
|
Content |
Paragraph(s)
do not give a knowledge-able definition, or give credible opinion with support
from the sites; paragraphs give no classroom uses. |
Paragraphs
give a definition and opinion with little support from the sites; paragraphs
give loosely scripted uses in the classroom. |
Paragraphs
give an easily understood definition and opinion that are supported with
evidence from more than one site; paragraphs give good, solid uses in the
classroom. Research is evident. |
|
Form |
Fewer
than two paragraphs that are loosely organized with no discernable topic or
opinion; no classroom uses. Grammar and spelling errors. |
Two
paragraphs, but less than 400 thought provoking words. Topics are not fully
developed in each paragraph; weak classroom uses. Few grammar and spelling
errors. |
Two
well formed thought provoking paragraphs that total 400 words, or more.
Topics are fully developed in each paragraph; research is evident. No grammar
and spelling errors. |
|
Classroom Uses |
No
uses are included in your writing. |
Uses
are weak, without thought, without context, and/or without proper perspective
in subject matter. |
Uses
are sound, concrete, well thought-out, researched, and have proper subject
matter perspective. |
Other Resources for your
ISTE Standards:
Standards: This course activity addresses the following ISTE Standards:
1. ISTE Technology Operations and Concepts:
Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding
of technology operation and concepts.
Teachers:
B.
demonstrate
continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current
and emerging technologies
V.
Productivity
and Professional Practice
Teachers use technology to enhance their
productivity and professional practice.
Teachers:
B. continually evaluate and reflect on
professional practice to make informed decisions regarding use of technology in
support of student learning.
VI. Social, Ethical,
Legal, and Human Issues
Teachers understand the social, ethical,
legal and human issues surrounding the use of technology in PK-12 schools and
apply those principles in practice.
Teachers:
C.
promote
safe and healthy use of technology resources.
http://cnets.iste.org/teachers/t_stands.html