When the question was raised about using blogs in the classroom, my immediate thought was it would be a great replace for the exit card (normally turned in on a 3x5 index card), the one limitation being of course the computer access of most classrooms (three to five computers per classroom). I have found, through my own experiences with the discussion boards from my online classes, that I think more about my writing when trying on a discussion board (the same I think would hold true for students writing a blog). I spend more time thinking about what I am going to say because I know my peers (as well as the teacher) will be reading. I reread and edit my writing a lot more when I am posting, again because the world will be seeing.
Depending on the school (Sango vs. Byrns Darden) and the parents Internet connectivity, I think a blog for the parents would be another great use of a blog. A classroom calendar, current homework assignments, upcoming lesson all could be included.
For the classes first literature circle for a 5th grade classroom, I did a whole class literature circle, reading a few pages and then stopping and having the students write their reflections, make predictions, list new vocabulary words, etc. I would love to have tried that using a blog site (five computers in the classroom but I could have borrowed the roving computer cart with enough laptops for the class).
A great reflective activity for students (students reflecting on what they are learning – not just college students preparing a LiveText portfolio) would be to have an online newsletter where students write on what they have learned this week and include pictures.
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