Blogging : An Outlet for Teachers and Students

Why does the classroom interaction have to stay within the bounds of the classroom walls?

It actually doesn't!

The idea of utilizing a blog as a teacher is an excellent option enhancing classroom learning, communicating with students, offering feedback, encouraging reflection and answering questions.  Student's are so technologically savvy these days, most students would enjoy blogging, even if used for academic use.

As a teacher, I can use a blog daily to address main points from the lesson, review vocabulary, post assignments, and remind students of due dates.  I can also provide feedback to students about what I noticed in the classroom, what the student's are doing well, and what may need to be improved. As a teacher, I can also imbed links into the blog that I feel are helpful or useful for my students.

Student's can utilize blogging in many ways.  They can use the blog to collaborate with other students, reflect on what they liked, disliked, and/or learned from the daily lesson.  Student's who don't feel comfortable contributing in the classroom environment may open up in the blog setting.  If student's are absent from class, they can utilize a blog to see what they missed for the day and what they need to complete.  The blog is an opportunity for students to ask questions and get clarification on something they don't understand.

A blog is definitely something that I will utilize in my classroom.  I an picture students becoming very excited with the prospect of blogging.  Student's are so creative and have so much to offer.  I am sure that sometimes, in the classroom setting, they don't have the opportunity to capitalize on their gifts, as we are bound by limited time, standards that must be taught, and many students.  This is an excellent option to provide another outlet for student learning.