Blogs in Education

Over the past year, I have encountered many interesting blogs dealing with education. There has even been a name attached to the people who embrace this type of blogging: Edubloggers. Blogging in education may be a hard idea to grasp for those new to technology integration, but by checking out some great resources, hopefully they will see the light! I want to share some different ways that blogging is used in education.

Blogging can be used as a classroom or school communication tool. Blogs can be created to keep staff members, parents, and/or students up-to-date on what is happening in the classroom or at the school.

Parkway Elementary School's Blog
High School Staff Development
Sheridan School Showcase
Mr. Reynold's First Grade Blog

Blogs can also be set up so teachers and students can share ideas. This is by far my favorite use of blogging in education, as it gives the students a voice. I will go into this in more detail in a future post - the possibilities are endless, even for the very young! Below are some examples of blogs used to enhance discussion and encourage collaboration in the classroom.

Literature Circle Blog for Upper Elementary
Literature Response for High School
Sixth Grade Social Studies Class
Middle School Writing - the students even have their own "pages"
Mr. Wolfe's Fourth Grade Blog - this one has entries written by the students
Kindergarten Blog - check out the student entries!!

Another type of education blogging is for spreading information among teachers. Professional educators can share ideas, success stories, and resources with a global audience easily through the use of a blog. Here are some examples:

A Geeky Momma's Blog
Bud The Teacher
21st Century Learning

Some companies specializing in technology integration have their own blogs, where information is shared on how to use their products. Here are some to check out:

Promethean Blog
Discovery Educator Network Blog

For more information on blogs in education, check out this information from Teachers First.

Here are some free places that you can start your own blog:

Blogger (the one I use for this blog)
ClassBlogmeister
Edublogs
Word Press

If you have a blog written for K-12 education, please feel free to post a comment with a link to your blog so others can check it out!

Developing a Technology Club

I am interested in creating a technology club for the 3-5 graders at my elementary school. Before I approach my principal, I am outlining a plan that details why this club would be an asset to our school and I am looking for assistance from others who may have started a similar club in their school to offer their suggestions.


Here is the first draft of the plan:

Elementary Technology Club

Purpose: The Technology Club was designed to assist students in developing 21st century skills needed to plan, research, and create projects that focus on solving real-world problems using 21st century tools.

Time: The FTCT will meet once a week on Monday in an assigned classroom from 2:05-3:00 for 15 weeks.

Week 1: Introduction to Project Based Learning and 21st Century Skills
Collaboration and Team Work

Week 2: The Planning Process
Determining the Guiding Question and Forming Groups

Week 3: The Planning Process
Determining the Supporting Questions and the Resources Needed

Week 4: The Gather/Research Process
What is Research?
Copyright – Why is it Important?
Safe Internet Usage

Weeks 5 - 8 – The Gather/Research Process
Developing Research Skills
Finding and Using Appropriate Resources
Using Our Own Words – Citing Sources

Week 9 – The Build Process
Determining the Best Platform to Present Information
Creating a Storyboard

Weeks 10 - 13 – The Build Process
Creating a Storyboard
Using Appropriate Media Resources to Make Points

Week 14 – The Build Process
Complete Presentations
Citing Sources
How Do We Know We’re Finished?

Week 15 – Presentation
Presentation of Group Projects
How Can We Share with the World?

Any suggestions for additions/improvements or good resources to help teach my students these skills are greatly appreciated! Feel free to post a comment or email me with suggestions:)