Blogging is something that I have just recently been introduced to and it is something that I quite enjoy. My first blogging experience was this June during my time in Africa. The group I traveled with was required to blog so that everyone back home could know we were alright and so they could see what God was doing in our lives and in the lives of the people in Africa. I loved getting the chance to write what I was experiencing including all the details of the people and the places we visited.
From the start I was able to see the advantages that blogs provide. Blogs can keep people connected. I was in Uganda and my family and friends were in the U.S. but they knew exactly what I was doing by keeping up with my blog. I see that as a valuable technological resource, one that should be used in the classroom, especially since technology is becoming more and more a part of our everyday lives. Blogging in the classroom gives students the opportunity to learn and create. They are learning writing and reading skills and they are also able to be creative! I do believe there should by pre-established guidelines concerning proper use of the internet, the sites visited, and the material that is published. But once the guidelines are given, blogging should be a fun, interactive resource for teachers and students. Certain blogs are also free which is a major advantage for teachers! A disadvantage might include getting parents to allow their child to participate due to safety concerns or privacy concerns.
Since I will be an English teacher, I will use blogging for journal postings, group projects, and even various assignments pertaining to the readings. This gives students the chance to discuss and confront the issues in the text and learn from one another. I will also use a blog to post weekly assignments and projects as well as activities that might be going on during that week so that if a students misses class, they will know exactly what is due when they return. Parents will also be able to view the blog and keep up with what is going in their child's classroom.
I would suggest looking under the education tab on Pinterest for some great teacher blogs. They are full of ideas for decorating, managing, and improving the classroom.
-Lauren Tidwell
