Blogs in the classroom

I have been having a good look around Education Queensland 'The Learning Place' Website http://education.qld.gov.au/learningplace/stories/archives.html
and have been amazed at some of the great projects, that teachers have facilitated using blogs in the classroom. Some of these projects have given me a lot of food for thought, and they are well worth a look! I did notice however, that while some of the projects display “relate” and “create” concepts, many were missing the “donate” concept which is so important for motivating students and making the learning meaningful (Kearsley, & Shneiderman, 1999). Even so, I imagine it would not be too difficult to apply an ‘authentic focus’ to most of the projects (Kearsley, & Shneiderman, 1999). What is your opinion?

There are so many endless possibilities for using blogs in all subject areas to enhance students’ learning in the classroom (Aldred, 2010). I believe any method teachers can employ to encourage students to read, write and express feelings and ideas has to be beneficial! What do you feel? Blogs also provide a great opportunity for teachers to instruct students about ‘netiquette’ and alert them to the dangers of unsafe usage and reporting of inappropriate material on the internet (Aldred, 2010).

I would like students to use blogs for intercultural exchange of ideas about topics with students from both Australia and the world, promoting students’ respect and understanding of diversity. Furthermore, blogs could be utilised for book reviews; reflective journals; homework (Aldred, 2010); showcasing students’ artwork; creating scripts for drama and presentations; and keeping parents and the local community informed of their children’s learning as well as encouraging their comments and suggestions (Aldred, 2010).

References
Kearsley, G., & Shneiderman, B. (1999).  Engagement Theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning.  Retrieved from CQUniversity e-courses, FAHE11001 Managing E-Learning, http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm

Aldred, S. (2010).  Using blogs in education.  Retrieved from CQUniversity e-courses, FAHE11001 Managing E-Learning, http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=53474

Aldred, S. (2010).  Internet safety: The issues.  Retrieved from CQUniversity e-courses, FAHE11001 Managing E-Learning, http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=44151