2. How can blogs be usedin the classroom? Source of information and communication Used to archive and publish student work Can be used to post class times, assignments, homework, announcements and upcoming school events Can give students links to internet sites related to current classroom topics to enhance learning Can be used as a tool for class discussions As a form of journal writing Teachers can use blogs to post thoughts and reflections about students’ work that the student and parents can read
3. Positive aspects and benefits of blogging for the classroom Students can learn their strengths and weaknesses based on comments left by others Students are motivated by a world wide audience Gives students an opportunity to share their views with others outside of their immediate environment Very user friendly and easy to use Enjoyable for students
4. Positive aspects and benefits of blogging for the classroom Non-threatening and safe way for students to express ideas and opinions Can be a personal and engaging sphere for students to create meaningful writing Provides a link between home and school as parents can see what students are doing in the classroom Homework can be made more interesting for students when completed online When all work completed by students in a day is completed as part of the blog this may allow parents to much insight into the daily routines of the class
5. Considerations for using blogging for the classroom There are no boundaries as to what can be written. Teachers need to establish boundaries with students Risk of students just making trivial comments. Challenge is for the teacher to encourage deep, reflective writing which will is centred around reading, reflecting, criticising, questioning and reacting to the world around them. Can be pointless if teacher does not provide necessary direction and scaffolding
7. What is VoiceThread? It is a collaborative multimedia slideshow (Nelson, 2005-2009) It acts as a group audio blog where users can record text and audio comments about digital material (PB Works, 2009). It is interactive and engaging as it requires students to connect with learning in a dynamic online context (BP Works, 2009).
9. Ways VoiceThread can be used in the classroom Discussion forum where student work is posted on a thread (e.g. writing) and people are invited to comment. Students can comment on work of other students. Can be used to publish poetry in both written and spoken form Language practice and learning reflections
10. Ways VoiceThread can be used in the classroom Presentations, debates and storytelling Publishing class artworks where people can comment on them Evaluation at the end of a unit. Students can provide verbal feedback on their learning experiences Involving parents in sharing students’ learning experiences Can be used as a reflective tool e.g. digital portfolio with commentary
