BP3_2009121_EduUses4Blogs

[Figure 1. Blog.]

Blogs are definitely one way to address social learning and develop critical minds. Both Vygotsky and Piaget’s educational theories are addressed when blogs are used appropriately in the classroom (McCray-King, 2009). Vygotsky believed learning was social. Piaget believed the principal goal of education was to create men who are capable of doing things, not simply of repeating what other generations have done – men are creative, inventive, and discovers. His secondary goal was to form minds that can be critical (Ginsberg, 1969).

Keeping the goals of the aforementioned psychologists in mind, there are several benefits obtained from using blogs in the educational setting, including promoting reading and writing habits, enhancing critical thinking skills, introducing Web 2.0 tools, posting of class announcements, rules and assignments, and for hosting interactive online discussions.

The Internet has a plethora of articles addressing the usage of blogs in the classroom. One such article, Blogging @ School, (MSF, 2009) was found on the Mukwonago School District web site and lists these examples of usage:

o • A quick and easy way to share current info with a group about events & ideas
o • Original written creations from students
o • Create discovery logs -students & teachers can post readings, sites, etc. related to units of study
o • Digitize reflection & research journals
o • Part of an individualized education plan (IEP)
o • Create an ongoing weekly review/unit review blog
o • Showcase projects throughout the year
o • Create a blog for clubs/extracurricular activities - posting minutes, photos, & other important info

The Glencoe/McGraw Hill site has a web page called Education Close Up, which lists two additional benefits. They recognize that blogs are:
• Highly motivating to students, especially those who otherwise might not become participants in classrooms
• Powerful tools to enable scaffold learning or mentoring to occur (Crie,2006)

The one concern that teachers often have when implementing something new is how much extra time will this require? The good news is that blogs are simple to create, maintain and use. Blogs offer flexibility and can be accessed anytime and anywhere there is a computer with Internet access. Blogs for the classroom can be managed to allow a teacher to monitor and control over which comments and posts will be accepted and published.

As with most things in life, there are risks to consider and a rubric should be created when using a blog for classroom usage.

I would like to create an ongoing online discussion on the Florida Teens Read 2009 book selections within our school district and have placed a request with my school’s Webmaster for a blog to be considered for my web page. I feel a blog would be a great way to promote literacy, discussion, and as well as a tool to receive feedback from the students on what book they feel will win the Florida Teens Read “Book of the Year.” My school district is proceeding with caution. When it comes to linking to outside sources that might jeopardize students’ online safety and/or cause damage to the computer system, network, and/or software, extreme caution will be taken. While there are many educational benefits, guidelines will need to be established so that the student’s privacy is not compromised. Once a comfort zone is established, I feel blogs will be another avenue for active teaching and learning.



References

Blog. (n.d.) Figure 1. Retrieved on November 27, 2009, from Dogpile Images http://www.dogpile.com/dogpile/ws/results/Images/blogging/1/417/TopNavigation/Relevance/iq=true/zoom=off/_iceUrlFlag=7?_IceUrl=true.

Crie, M. (2006). Using Blogs to Integrate Technology in the Classroom, Education Up Close, Teaching Today, Glencoe Online.
Glencoe.com. Retrieved November 27, 2009, from http://www.glencoe.com/sec/teachingtoday/educationupclose.phtml/47

Ginsburg, H. &. (1976). Piaget's Theory of Intellectual Development: An Introduction. New Jersey: Prentice Hall Books.

McCray-King, S. (2008). Why Use Blogs in Education?. Using blogs in education, 1. Retrieved November 27, 2009, from http://sag595.pbworks.com/Using+blogs+in+education#WhyUseBlogsinEducation

Mukwonago Area School District. (2009, November 11). Mukwonago Area School District. Retrieved November 27, 2009, from http://www.mukwonago.k12.wi.us