Benefits of Blogs in the Classroom
Blogs are a great educational tools and they give students complete freedom to publish content on the web, but teachers have to know how to effectively implement them in the classroom. Teachers can use blogs to publish assignments, resources, and keep students and even parents up to date on class events, due dates, and content being covered. Teachers can also use blogs to help students’ master content and improve their writing skills. Students can use blogs to publish their writing and educate others on a particular topic. Students can also create blogs for the chess club or the yearbook club, the football team or the upcoming prom.
The following video is a good overview of using blogs in the classroom:
This teacher allows her students to write entries for a class blog. Students are able to embed video and pictures with their writing. Students need to have the opportunity to show what they know how to do in real world applications. A class blog allows students to practice writing skills in a way that gives them real world experience. Not only can teachers help students practice content, grammar, punctuation, etc. but also students get the opportunity to practice necessary 21st century skills.
A teacher can also utilize a blog to inform parents of the things that are happening in the classroom. It is important for parents and teachers to become a team in order to help students be successful. Teachers can blog about the things that they are teaching in the classroom so parents can understand what they can do to help support their students. Teachers can also use the blog as a way to inform parents of the fun things that are happening in class. This would be a great way to make sure parents stay informed and connected with the classroom.
A teacher can also use blogs to teach specific types of writing. This particular example shows a teacher who has taught her students how to write news reports. Since common core asks us to teach very specific types of writing, this really would help us to teach writing in a format that students would really enjoy. Anytime we can integrate technology teachers will see increased engagement.
Online Safety
Online safety is not simply blocking websites for our students. Online safety really consists of knowledge. Blocking and restricting websites will protect our students from some forms of harm but in the long run, it is important to teach students how to be safe. Teaching students how to be safe online is a skill that will allow them to practice good habits for their entire lives. The Internet is one of the greatest tools on the planet for enhancing student learning. It is a smorgasbord of information waiting to be devoured by hungry minds. However, it can also be a dangerous place where students find themselves alone and uneducated about how to handle tricky situations. Teachers need to be clear about their district's policies about where students can post things. While blogging is a skill that we can teach, we cannot just allow students on any blog website because content may not be suitable for children.
Are you looking for an easy way to help students understand the importance of online safety? The following is a video that can be used to help students understand the importance of online safety. This video has very valuable tips for students.
