Our district does block blogs and social networking sites. I do not blame them; I cannot imagine the chaos of trying to supervise a computer project while students were surreptitiously sending instant AIM messages or engaging in pop-out chats on Facebook.
I think I could formulate a good case for petitioning to have specific classroom use of blogs. Blogging is a form of literacy familiar to our students, but one that I think they have mostly explored superficially. I aspire to use this motivational form to develop critical thinking skills in our students. Blogs can be used to respond to literature. They can be easily used in reader's workshops and writing workshops. Peer review is certainly simplified by use of blogs. The speed of publication and dissemination can increase a sense of audience for our writers and build a community of readers relating to one another's ideas and it makes efficient use of our resources. I find the notion of conserving paper and time (in regards to storage, retrieval, archiving of works in progress) very appealing. Our means of communication is evolving and we need to prepare our students to be adept at expressing themselves in the media of their times.
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yes - I think you could make a good case; there are security features that would keep them from being spammed or bullied. You are right about FB - it's so addicting anyhow students wouldn't get anything done in a lab!
ReplyDeleteDear Mango - a friend referred me to your site. I teach at WCHS and I'd love to learn more about how you integrate technology into your classroom. Where do you teach?
ReplyDeleteRegards, Amanda Scroggs
amandascroggs@hotmail.com