Many of you have heard about students in our school blogging. After facilitating blog experiences for several classes over the last three years, I've seen the benefits and challenges of this mode of writing. I will resist pulling out trite "ed tech" phrases and tell you in plain English my thoughts:
It's Good Because:
Students like it.
Parents have online access to their child's writing.
It is a natural setting for lessons about digital citizenship - which, in my opinion, ought to be a regular component of today's classroom.
Blogs can be used to post more than writing. Photos, drawings, voice, or video can also be posted. This allows a wide variety of possibilities throughout the year, while giving one central mode of publishing.
Students care about other people reading what they write.
Students learn to give constructive feedback on other people's work. This analysis and reflection improves their own craft of writing.
Students learn to troubleshoot digital problems. They help one another and they help you.
It's Hard Because:
It's not in the curriculum. You have to plan for blogging as a method to achieve the same goals in a different way.
To be done well, it takes intentional instruction in good digital citizenship. This takes class time.
Technology doesn't work sometimes. Like the computers. They might not work. Or someone's log-in isn't working, and you have to figure out why. This happens all the time.
For some kids, typing takes forever. (The speech-to-text software on iPads is helpful for this!)
How I Can Help:
I have:
* parent communication letters
* digital citizenship lessons before, during, and after blogging (for me to come teach or you to teach)
* Rubrics for blog posts, blog comments, and digital citizenship
I can partner with you as you begin your students' blogging journey. I can come in to teach your class as they get started, run small groups to help them practice, and help behind the scenes as you monitor and approve blog posts.
Fantastic Advice:
Use this as a way to publish an assignment you already do.
Plan to continue publishing for at least 2-3 assignments.
Know that digital citizenship and online publishing experience are as important in your students' lives as good writing skills. Look past what's "on the test" and imagine what will be important for their future.
View blogging as a tool in their toolbox rather than a one-time activity.
Click here to indicate interest in learning more about student blogging.
