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Blog Idea for my Classroom

I teach Introduction to Computer Technology in grades 5-8. So using a blog with my classes would be a natural fit.

I would have the students blog about ways they use computer technology every day. The students would reply in a post on the blog site. Then, they could return to the blog later to see what the other students had to say in response to their post.

In this way, we could have a meaningful class discussion over the internet. This blogging experience would demonstrate to the students the power of a blog and allow them to learn to use a blog.
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  1. Todd SeipJanuary 13, 2009 at 10:58 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Todd SeipJanuary 13, 2009 at 10:59 PM

    While it seems strange to ask students to hold a discussion with someone sitting two feet away via the internet - I have found that studnets who would not normally participate in class discussions or who are too shy to talk to a member of the opposite sex (ahh, middle school) really open up in the blogosphere. Be sure to model the discussions and it you have access to a projector, get one of your students to have a "practice" blog chat so the class can see what is and is not acceptable. My kids love it and I am constantly hounded with "when is the next question Mr Seip?" Good luck.

    Todd Seip

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  3. Sarah StereJanuary 14, 2009 at 8:03 PM

    I think this is a great idea. I am not sure if you want this to be a one time blogging experience for your students or if you want it to continue throughout the school year. Two other technology related topics for your students could be to share which technology they think is the best and explain their reasons and to "invent" a new technology and try to market it to their classmates. You could have a lot of fun with this!

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  4. The Stere FamilyJanuary 14, 2009 at 8:06 PM

    The post above that says Steve said...should say Sarah said...For some reason, it pulled up my husband's email instead of mine. He gets to post to the class and he's not even a part of it! Sorry!

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  5. Joe WescheJanuary 16, 2009 at 4:49 PM

    Hello Donna!
    I am a student in the class with you. One thing that popped into my mind is regulating what the students are allowed to say in their comments. Make sure you give strict guidlines, as students sometimes can say/post inappropriate things on the internet without thinking twice. So, I would create very specific types of comments they are allowed to make.

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  6. Susanna RobertsonJanuary 18, 2009 at 10:12 AM

    Donna - Teaching an introductory technology class to middle school students must be a lot of fun! I would even bet that you are their favorite teacher! As I read your idea of a blog about every day uses of computer technology, I had another thought. There is no doubt that our students use technology for almost everything they do. Once we begin to take something for granted, we don't appreciate it as much.

    You might want to assign a "disconnect" or "unplug" day. For one day, the students could not use any technology: no cell phones, calculators, texting, email, video games, television, DVD players, MP3 players, etc. Can't you just imagine their horror upon receiving the assignment?

    As their teacher, you could tell them that you will be following the same rules. It's a way to see just how dependent we are on technology today. A non-school day would probably be best. The following day, the students could blog about their experiences and frustrations from being 'unplugged'.

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  7. Author Donna WaylesJanuary 18, 2009 at 1:27 PM

    I love the "unplug" day. I may try it with my students this quarter. Thanks also for the tips on modeling a blog discussion and giving them strict guidelines as to their comments.

    I also am limited by the school district's internet filter. It does not allow blogs, so this would have to be done from the student's homes. Any suggestions?

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