Blogging in the Classroom

My first thought process about creating blogs for classroom use was “No Way!” The accessibility that the Internet provides for anyone to read blogs makes me paranoid about what information regarding my students could possibly be obtained. I also questioned whether parents would be supportive of their child blogging. Thirdly, how would I overcome barriers such as lack of computers throughout the school, at home or Internet accessibility to all students?

However, once I began reading and researching I began to see the pros to creating classroom blogs. In a world where students are ever increasing their technological minds, blogging is a great way to reach out to them. It allows communication through an area where they are knowledgeable and comfortable. Blogs allow students, teachers, and parents an easy communication channel. Parents also get the opportunity to see what activities, projects, due dates, etc. are expected of their child, meeting KSA standard #12. Students get the opportunity to ask questions, offer study help, provide insight, and offer feedback outside of classroom time when help may be hard to find, creating a sense of classroom teamwork and collaboration. Last but not least blogs meet many ICT Program of Studies outcomes (which as a first time teacher I’m sure will be referred to over and over again) such as; Students will use technology to aid collaboration during inquiry; Students will compose, revise and edit text; Students will use electronic research techniques to construct personal knowledge and meaning; Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of the operating skills required in a variety of technologies.

I can now understand how helpful blogs can be in the classroom once rules and regulations are set out so that students know how to create a safe and accessible communication outlet between one another.