There are many ways to use blogs in classrooms, and I think that all of them are relevant in many ways.
Using blogs as a means through which teachers can communicate with parents would probably be the first step in using a blog in the classroom.A teacher could set up a class blog from which parents could get updated information about assignments, or upcoming events. The blog could also be a portal through which the parents could ask questions about events in the classroom, or the teacher could let parents know when help will be needed.
Another way in which a blog could be useful in the first grade classroom is as a portfolio. I particularly like this idea because this portfolio could follow the student throughout their school career. I currently work in a school with 100% military families, so we have a huge transiency rate each year. We struggle to find a means through which we can track the progress of students, and a blog portfolio could be an answer to that dilemma. The blog could start in kindergarten or first grade, and trace the progress of the students as they move through the grade levels. In kindergarten and first grade, we could scan and upload examples of student work, and then allow the students to comment on their work (why they are proud of it, what they want to work on in the future, etc). In this way, students who move many times in their lives would be able to keep their most important work, and not add extra boxes which need to be moved from one post to another.
I know there are many applications of blogging in classrooms, but these two seem the most relevant to me, given my first grade classroom. I look forward to moving my classroom to one in which blogging becomes an every-day occurrence.
I agree that using a blog is a fantastic way to keep parents updated on what is happening in the classroom. I have been using a webpage and emails, in addition to bi-weekly newsletters to keep my parents updated with what is happening in the 5th grade. My question for you is if you think your parents know how to RSS a blog or joining a blog? I love the idea of posting something once and it automatically goes to the people who have signed up. I think parents would love this feature so they don't have to add "check the blog" to their already overloaded schedules. I also love the idea of having a place where parents can connect with one another as well. If room parents need help with a party, that can be posted on the class blog as well. Using a blog in the classroom can really help to make parents feel like they are a part of the classroom and it will help them to understand the learning that is taking place.
ReplyDeleteYour idea to use the blog as a portfolio has intrigued me. Will the students create their own blogs to do this so the information stays with them? Will this have to be done through a special site like Edmodo or something similar? It would be fun to track their height on their blog throughout the years, or even the places they've lived since your students travel often. I look forward to learning more about using blogs as a portfolio.
We all have such great ideas for blogs and one that is common is that we can better stay in touch with the family who may not be able to participate in class. I have several who have a parent that lives in another city, some another state, and one is overseas! It gives them an opportunity to a part of their child’s education.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite feature is that you can post photos! My students know me best with a camera in my hand. It is always handy. They love to see their work showcased and their pictures. Be careful with posting pictures of children though. Check with your school’s privacy policy. I never use last names. I don’t know if you saw the site kidsblog.org. I want to check that one out. But I would have a parent sign some type of permission ship to post their faces. So much to consider! But internet safety is an important responsibility when we are throwing them out there in cyberspace! I love the idea of a student, especially beginning in 1st and having it follow them through. I’ll be visiting frequently to see your accomplishments!
By the way, I love your blog design.
Something to think about would be the logistics of setting up parent accounts in order for them to post. If you have one class it is very possible, but for me - having 115 students in a day - it would be difficult to set that up. Wikis are possible, but again you have to send out the invite or have the parents request one and then you approve it.
ReplyDeleteThe blog portfolio sounds fantastic! Logistically, what would occur if someone came in during the middle of the year? Would there be a grading rubric associated? Will parents have access - I think it would be great for them to be able to see it! Can you put their work out online? We are adults and can make our decisions, but students are protected due to their age I believe.
-Danielle
The logistics of having a classroom blog, to which parents and students can comment are complicated. After speaking to several of the parents in my classroom (because they know themselves better than I do) I have learned that most parents do not know about RSS feeds, and are unsure how to access or comment on a blog. I was shocked that so many of my parents were unsure even how to access the blog. For this reason, I suggested that perhaps the parents in my classroom could attend a quick "Technology" Seminar, in which I could showcase the work the students are doing with the computer and digital camera, and show the parents how to access the blog and make comments. This would also be a good time to have the parents sign a form which allows the student work to be put on their blogs. Perhaps the parents could help set up their child's blog. If the parents help set it up, the child could then keep the blog with them throughout their years, no matter who their teacher is. The parents would also have direct access to what their child is doing and could track the progress easily. Of course, the thought remains in my mind....what about those students whose parents refuse the blog? What do I do for them?
ReplyDelete