Here it is - a blog that will be utilized to communicate between my classmates (more specifically my Study Group-mates) and myself about the "blogosphere" and its uses within a classroom. Thanks to blogger.com the process is as simple as can be. They truly have ironed out the kinks and details to make it an easy process. I appreciate that blogger has made it so simple to begin the blogging process. Using the templates they have developed, creating my blog took less than five minutes. Following the other people in the group is also very simple once you have their blog addresses.
I am still exploring all the different things that blogs are capable of (you can monetize your blog?!), and contemplating how I would find one to be most useful in my day-to-day teaching. I have created a blog in the past for personal use, but found that I lost interest in it when it was not as interactive as I had hoped. Many of my friends became ‘followers’ of my blog, but never told me online or in person whether or not they were reading it. When there weren't many (read: any!) comments I have to say the lack of feedback made me wonder why I was using my meager amount of free time to update something that garnered no response. I think that the 'conversation' ability of a blog is a fascinating and useful tool to connect people, but I am going to have to put some serious thought into what I would want to do with such a tool in my classroom.
I am still exploring all the different things that blogs are capable of (you can monetize your blog?!), and contemplating how I would find one to be most useful in my day-to-day teaching. I have created a blog in the past for personal use, but found that I lost interest in it when it was not as interactive as I had hoped. Many of my friends became ‘followers’ of my blog, but never told me online or in person whether or not they were reading it. When there weren't many (read: any!) comments I have to say the lack of feedback made me wonder why I was using my meager amount of free time to update something that garnered no response. I think that the 'conversation' ability of a blog is a fascinating and useful tool to connect people, but I am going to have to put some serious thought into what I would want to do with such a tool in my classroom.
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in your assessment that blogger has made setting up a blog as easy as pie or as you said 1-2-3, just like the Jackson 5 sang a long time ago. I found myself "customizing" my blog with their easy to use templates and gadgets. I had to rein myself in when choosing which gadgets I applied to my page and which ones I didn't. If I selected all the gadgets that appealed to me, my page would be busy and cluttered. Two things that one should avoid if one expects people to visit, comment and follow their blog on a regular basis.
You bring up a great point about why write a blog that no one reads or responds to? I still get anxious if I receive no comments on my postings in our conference area here in class. I can imagine the feelings of a middle or high school student using a blog in which people don't respond or follow. Any blog assignments I use in my future classes will include participation as a part of the grading rubric so no one feels left out and they are aware up front of my expectations for the assignment. I think its important as well to familiarize our students with the proper etiquette to use when writing or responding to a blog, stressing that any inappropriate posting will not be tolerated and the consequences of such will be swift.
I look forward to working with you throughout the semester. I hope I can contribute in a meaningful way.
I hope all is groovy,
PJ
Your initial post seems so true! Although I never had a personal blog, I feel the same way on twitter (smiles). Some people receive so many re-tweets and other mentions, and sometimes I feel slighted when I share my innermost thoughts and no one responds. I always wonder if I am not being creative enough, or what is causing my posts to feel disengaging. So, as a grade level student, this may be a reason why some students do not put much effort in their posts. They do not want to feel slighted for trying hard and someone doesn't respond, or doesn't respond the way they had anticipated.
ReplyDeleteThus, as educators, it is our job to be aware of such needs of our students (acceptance is a big one), and create lessons that encourage them and hone in on both their strengths and weaknesses. It is also essential that we anticipate ways to keep them engaged. Are you currently teaching? If so, take some of the strategies of your classroom, your creativity, and the creativity of everyone in this course to develop an amazing educational blog!
I was thinking of having students create their own blogs (YUP...36 blogs per class), and each week, have students pick 2 names out of a hat. For that week, they are responsible for making their own blog post, and responding to a blog post made by those other two names they selected. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of you that we should make sure that no student gets left feeling ignored. As a grown adult I just put my energy into other things, but for a student they might not have such an easy time separating their lack of comments from a feeling that they aren't important.
ReplyDeletebtlove1 - I think that your idea of having students pick names out of a hat is a great way to make sure everyone is included!