2. Articles to be reviewed: The Educated Blogger: Using Weblogs to Promote Literacy in the Classroom Reflections on Using Blogs to Expand In-class Discussion Using Weblongs in the Classroom
3. The Educated Blogger: Using Weblogs to Promote Literacy in the ClassroomBy: David Huffaker Main Points: ~Blogs tend to promote literacy in the classroom. ~ Adolescents make up about 51% of bloggers today, so over half are already familiar with the concept. ~Blogs are more like storytelling rather than academic writing. ~Blogs encourage creativity and self-expression, where as normal writing is more fact based.
4. Favorite Quote from Article: “Literacy remains paramount in learning, not only for language development, but also as the foundation of all academic disciplines including science and mathematics. Storytelling ignites literacy” This quote pretty much sums up the article. It states that literacy is very important, and a good way to learn literacy is through storytelling. Blogging is a great, personal way to tell stories.
5. “AH-HA!!” After reading this article, here are a few things I realized: 1. Blogging should not only be for English class. They can be used for any subject. 2. www.weblogg-ed.com is a really good website that teaches how to use blogs in the classroom. 3. Blogs can be used for nonfictional stories as well as fictional stories.
6. Reflections on Using Blogs to Expand In-classDiscussionBy: Shiang-Kwei Wang and Hui-Yin Hsua Main Points: ~ Using blogs in a classroom is helpful because it helps expand the in-class discussions. Sometimes, the class-discussions need to go on, but there just is not time to do so. ~Blogs allow everyone to speak their own opinion. This is good for shy students. Blogs allow them to share their thoughts. ~Most blogs are free, and are pretty simple to use.
7. Favorite Quote from Article: “Face-to-face discussions are frequently dominated by only a few participants who determine the topic. Blogs can serve as a strong equalizer that enables participants to raise their comfort levels” I like this quote because I think it is my favorite part about blogging. I was a shy student, and felt like I had a lot of good ideas, but I was always too nervous to talk. This is a great way to get everyone involved.
8. “AH-HA!!” After reading this article, here are a few things I realized: 1. Blogging may cause students to write better because they know everyone will be able to see it. 2. When starting to blog in your classroom, remember to provide a lot of instructions so students can overcome technological difficulties. 3. Blogging may cause your shy student to become the class leader in discussion.
9. Using Weblongs in the ClassroomBy: Greg Weiler Main Points: ~Blogs can be used as a discussion board or as a personal journal. ~ Blogs may also be used as a bulletin board where messages can be posted. ~ Students may enjoy writing blogs more than their traditional papers. They may learn to like writing. ~ A good site for educational blogging is www.schoolblogs.com
10. Favorite Quote from Article: “Blogs have been referred to as the Swiss Army websites. Whatever the comparison, there is no doubt that blogs have great potential for educational use.” I think this quote sums up everything. Blogs are not just for writing. They have many uses and are a great addition to any teachers future plans.
11. “AH-HA!!” After reading this article, here are a few things I realized: 1. Blogging allows students to comment on each others work. This allows students to really understand the topics they are dealing with. 2. New discussions can easily branch from old blog discussions. This allows students to guide the discussion. 3. Blogs can be used as a students electronic portfolio.
12. Conclusion Blogs can be used for a variety of different things. They can be very helpful for all types of students. Blogs are very user friendly, and a lot of blogs are very cheap or even free!!! When teaching my future students, I will use blogging for some part of my class.
