I have been meeting with schools recently regarding their action plans where literacy is a major concern by all. Our math plans for 2009-2010 include a key strategy to incorporate more writing. I woke up during the night last night with the thought to use blogs instead of journals. Considering how much time students spend texting and socializing via internet, this form of writing may be more inviting to them. It also would provide an opportunity to use technology for those who are not as experienced. Most classrooms have at least one computer with internet access. Computers are available in media centers and/or labs in most schools. Public libraries usually have computers with internet access. Some students have this resource in their own homes. Students should be able to get to a computer. If a reasonable amount was required, blogging could be a creative way to get students writing about math. I say "reasonable amount" because this amount would need to be adjusted according to the resources available. I'm thinking students would find blogs to be something different. So, what do you think? Please share your thoughts!
Denise, what a good idea to use blogging in place of journaling sometimes! Kids would LOVE it. Heck, they love messaging their teachers and peers with the Study Island messaging center, so I know they would like opportunities to blog and such.
ReplyDeleteOf course, only a few of our students have computers at home. However, they have each teacher in my school, poor as it is, has access to one at least once a week.
Do you know if there are any liabilities to helping kids set up blog accounts?
Denise your blog page looks great. Looks like you could joint the tech team. I like your idea to use this for journaling. I use blogging in the classroom - just wish we had access to this extent.
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