Tech Ed with Mr. Brandt

Blogging can be a motivating activity to help improve students' reading and writing skills. The process of organizing thoughts, summarizing information, and appropriately expressing one's view promotes higher-order thinking. As with any new classroom activity, careful planning must be made prior to implementation. This will help ensure students reach the intended learning objectives and hep the teacher develop clear expectations.

One of the most common blogging activities is to have students read, reflect, and comment on selected reading material. The comment should contribute to the online conversation and promote further discussion from the learning community. Today, you will complete a common reflection activity. Follow the steps below:

1. Read & Research: Blogging: Learning Blogs - The Activities
2. Reflect: How does this information apply to your classroom? What blogging activities could you use in your classroom to help students reach specific learning objectives?
3. Comment: Click the Comment link below this post to add your thoughts. Write in a conversational style; present thoughts, opinions, and information that would encourage others to continue the conversation.

How does a teacher assess this process? Many teachers have tried to formalize the process with rubrics: (1), (2). The overwhelming number of posts and comments often causes an assessment nightmare and the blog falls by the wayside. Others are taking more of a "checklist" approach: (3). What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach?