Thing 3

I could use blogs for assignment boards, study information and question and answer blogs. For my History class I could use it as a current events reporting tool. I could post topic of discussion or debate. Could take surveys for the up coming elections.

I think some of my students might enjoy writing on the computer verses the writing and reporting on issues using pen and paper. I think I will take a poll tomorrow and ask: 1.How many students have a myspace? 2.Hhow many use instant messenger?
3.How many have a blog site? 4.How many blog on websites?

I would have several concerns about blogging with my students. I would have issues with keeping the content clean and appropriate. Students can have hidden messages and can bully or pick on others over the internet. Privacy would be a big issue keeping private matters off the blogs. Not every student has a computer to access the blogs. After watching the video on changing the settings I see that you can have the posts or comments sent to you before they are posted onto your blog. This would help with some of the issues I stated above but could be very time consuming if you require students to post often. Trying to keep a school website up to date is often difficult for me to do.

Teacher could use blogs for things like professional development in a district or building. They could be used to communicate team ideas and teaching across the curriculum ideas. Teacher could use to post pacing guides on their subjects to see how others are doing that teach the same subject. Could use them for staff development and school improvement discussions. A great way to communicate and reflect on issues as a group.

I completed thing 3. I have to say that I liked being able to post a comment and see it shortly after posting it on the blogs. One site I posted on required that it be viewed before it would be posted. As the one posting I would rather be able to see it right away. However I do understand why someone would want to view before allowing others to post. I think if I were using it with students I would set it up so that I had to view all postings. I find the videos to be very helpful in each lesson. Time flies when doing/learning these “things.