Support slides for a presentation on using Classroom Teacher Blogs as inspiration for activities in Teacher Education classes.

1. Using Blogs in Teacher Education Sample student responses to the Blog Report Assignment in EDUC 3301: The Professional Teacher and Diverse Learners Corresponds to TExES EC-12 PPR Standards 4.12s and 4.15s

2. Why do teachers blog? I love [blogging] because it brings meaning to my vocation — meaning that lies outside of me talking to myself in a self-contained bubble. It encourages me to have high standards and always keep striving to do better and provides me with models which to emulate. Samjshaw – HS Math teacher – Continuous Everywhere but Differentiable Nowhere

3. Assignment Instructions Blog Reading & Reporting (50 pts.) [Ongoing Professional Development] Select an appropriate Blog (age or content appropriate – see list provided by Dr. Thompson Price) Blog Report Requirements: Read at least 10 blog entries (may be current postings or a selection of past postings) Record the title, topic, and date of each blog posting Summarize each blog entry including the following information: Information presented New Learning (for you) Impact on your future classroom

4. Speaking of Historyhttp://speakingofhistory.blogspot.com/ Date: February 5 Title: Walden University Video – Using Technology to Expand the Classroom This blog [entry] is about the teacher, who attends Walden University, talking about his classroom and how he incorporates technology into his lessons. Attached is a video where the teacher explains a few of the technologies he uses. One that stood out to me is called a “Study Cast.” He records about 15 minutes worth of in-class review when the class is preparing for a test. He includes examples they did in class or key words that can help the students remember a person or event. The teacher then uploads the study cast on the school site, iTunes, or burns a CD for those who do not have access to a computer. I think this is an awesome idea and I would definitely use this in my future classroom. Many students choose not to take notes during in-class reviews, and this would provide them with study material outside of the classroom. Features: New Learning about technology - StudyCast Ongoing Professional Development – teacher is studying for advanced degree online New concepts re: student responsibilities for studying for exams

5. Miss Cassidy’s Classroom Bloghttp://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=1337 Date: February 16 Title: Real Letters This article is about Miss Cassidy’s class blogging to pen pals at the University of Regina. The teacher noted that many of her students could read the letters themselves or at least pick out words they knew. I remember having pen pals when I was younger and it was always fun. However, technology is changing and now we have tools such as Skype and blogs to help us connect with others all over the world. I think this would be fun and interesting for my students to be able to blog with fellow students in Spanish-speaking countries. Features: New Learning about technology New concepts re: using pen pals for Spanish class

6. The Braman Bunchhttp://mrbraman.edublogs.org/ Date: February 5 Title: Animal Diversity and Wall Wisher This article was about Mr. Braman’s class doing a group activity dealing with animal diversity and using WallWisher to aid the students. WallWisher sounds like a fun site that allows other students to see each others ideas. I would definitely use this program to encourage my students to inspire and learn from each other. Features: New Learning about technology Excitement /New Ideas about future classroom

7. Grading Student Work Excel spreadsheet includes space for comments and automatically totals score for 10 entries. Copy/Paste to gradebook textbox and send to students.

8. Other Assignment Possibilities Introductory Preservice Teachers: Have students read and reflect on blogs (what I do in my Intro class) Content Specific: Deconstruct lessons: read, discuss, lesson ideas found in content specific blogs. Recreate lessons, discuss what knowledge/skills are taught, how to assess them if not already presented Student Teachers/Interns: Ask students to find a teaching idea on a blog and try it out in their classrooms…reflect on the experience, leave a comment on the source blog. Use blogs as case studies for classroom discussion and reflection Have students contact blog authors with questions; consider a pen-pal type relationship between several students and a blog author Set up a videoconference between your class and the blog author – you could meet their students, shadow observe them teaching, etc. “Adopt a blog author” challenge your students to read each authors’ entry and try to identify their teaching philosophy, classroom management style, how they keep parents “in the loop” Your Ideas…?

9. Google Reader Use Google Reader (free feed aggregator) to keep track of all your favorite blogs’ new posts How to Use Google Reader Commoncraft– RSS in Plain English: Official Google Help: http://www.google.com/support/reader/bin/answer.py?answer=113517 eHow video series: http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_5132_use-google-reader.html