Journal #4 - Five Don'ts of Classroom Blogging

The article goes over five (5) Don'ts of blogging for the classroom. They are don't just dive in, don't confuse blogging with social networking, don't leap at the freebies, don't force a sequential style, and finally; don't leave the blogging to the students. To sum up each diving right in deals with starting to blog with a class without researching things. A teacher needs to find out what is out there in terms of controls, software, requirements of the school and district, etc. Blogging and social networking (MySpace, FaceBook, etc) are two different things and kids know social networking but are not bloggers by nature. This is so because blogging for a class is about writing non-fiction, which is most difficult for students. Free sites, such as this one, WordPress, etc are free but not suitable for K - 12 students. Again, controls are missing...ads, links, others can view their blog not in the class or even in school. Sequential style refers primarily to the chronological order that many blogs tend to have. As one posts blogs over a period of time, their earlier blogs get buried under newer ones. Being able to organize according to type/category may help students, and others, better understand a blog or the material being presented. Lastly, students should not be the only ones blogging. Teachers, administrators, even parents should blog. It gets the kids attention and in most cases helps the students strive for something more.

1. How could a blog be effectively used in a middle school or high school history course?
First of all, I as a teacher, would have a blog that was regularly posted and updated (and monitored). This would give students a chance to learn (as my blog would have historical subject matter infused with the posts) related topics not covered in class or a more in depth look at a particular topic that time may have not allowed for normally. The students would be able to comment and ask questions. Students who write a short 2 page essay on one or more of the topics on my 'teacher' blog could receive extra credit or special rewards/privileges. This would also allow parents to see what is going on in their children's class(es) and better enable them to have an active role in their education. (Along with additional topics, posts - in a different section - would describe current assignments, upcoming tests or projects, etc.

2. How do I know, as a teacher, what software is right specifically for me (This assumes that I have a choice)?
I would guess that the school where you worked would provide you with that information, but what if I wanted to look into a proposal for the school or district? I would first, of course, look at ISTE.org and THE JOURNAL. Within this article itself there are links to look at or request information on various blogging platforms. I think this may make a good topic for discussion. We could compare let's say...blogger.com and other platforms that cost money. I would be interested in seeing the differences and in particular the various controls that a teacher/school would have and be able to implement. I would also be interested to see about any deals/agreements with universities, libraries, research databases (JStor, ERIC, Lexis-Nexis, etc) that could link with the blog software (through a license/agreement) so that a teacher or student could have appropriate and helpful information/material to use in class/on the blog.