How could I use a blog in my own classroom?

A blog can be a vital tool in any classroom and can open many doors to learning. Blogs can be used in various ways to achieve different results. One way in which a blog could be used in the classroom is for communication with students and schools in different countries. Many students are unaware of the cultural diversity among classrooms today and exposing them to students from different countries and even states can help broaden their sense of many different cultures. Blogging can also be seen as electronic pen-pal in this way. Seeing new posts can be exciting for students and will no doubt engage them in learning. Using a blog in this manner fits well with ELA standard four: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for social interaction.

Another way in which a blog can be used in the classroom is for projects or unit assignments. Students can create their projects through the use of a blog, rather than the usual PowerPoint. Students would be able to view their classmate’s projects online at any time. There would also be a sense of ownership on the student's part as they would be able to add or create everything on their blog as long as it was appropriate. The teacher would be able to view the blogs, postings, and content before it would be published which is crucial to a student's safety and security on the web. I think that having a student create a blog touches on all four of the standards. Students will read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding. Students will read, write, listen, and speak for literary response and expression. Students will read, write, listen, and speak for critical analysis and evaluation. Students will read, write, listen, and speak for social interaction. Students will be using blogs as sources of information, self-expression, communication, and evaluation.

A final way in which a blog can be used in the classroom is created by the teacher, for the students and their parents. Having a blog which lists homework, contact information, news and updates, student examples, links, resources, etc, can be an essential tool in the classroom. Having a place where students can go to get all of the information they need and stay up to date is crucial. Parents appreciate this as well as they can follow what their child is doing in the classroom, what’s to come, and much more. Students will no longer have the excuse that they don't have their work or they weren't sure what the assignment was because it will all be available on the class blog. Allowing students to provide feedback on the blog is important for the teacher to make sure that the blog is effective and any changes or editing can be made. The classroom blog incorporates Standards one, three and four. Students will be using technology to access information, communicate with both the instructor and their peers, and evaluate and help build the blog itself.