After looking around at the different blog help websites such as Teaching Today, I was able to gain a good grasp on how I would be able to integrate blogging into my classroom.
1. I could use a class blog to keep students informed and up to date on what is going on in the classroom on a daily/weekly basis. This could become a place to remind students of assignments due, what we will be learning in future lessons, and a place for students to ask questions and leave comments. We could post student projects or artwork for parents to see, and keep a calendar of monthly happenings in the school.
2. I could let each student create their own personal blog. This would be a way for students to learn to use the tools and strategies of technology on their own terms. They could create a site tailored to their specific likes and use it as a tool of self expression. The students could keep daily/weekly journals, which would help them with their reading /writing skills.
3. I could use the blog format to incorporate parents and others in the learning process. By having a 24/7 format that is continually updated, parents would be able to see what their child is doing at any given time during the school year. This would enable them to become more involved in their child's learning and give them a sense of incorporation in what is going on in the classroom.
It is my hope as an educator of upper elementary/middle school kids that I can keep up with the technologies that my students are using so that I am able to engage them more thoroughly in the learning process.
Certainly there are many challenges that you will face, but just take them one little step at a time. It's not necessary to think you have to 'keep up', as many of the kids will always be one step ahead. They will just be so excited to see that you're attempting to engage them with exciting tools and strategies. And, don't be afraid to 'let them teach you.' How empowering!
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