In the article, "Do Web 2.0 Right", Daniel Light discusses the various ways in which teachers have introduced Web 2.0 tools in their classrooms. Gathering information from teacher interviews around the country, Light managed to catch a glimpse on approaches that work when introducing Web 2.0 tools to students. The idea of a blog may strike as modern and far-fetched for the classroom environment. Yet, Light’s interviewees demonstrated that with the correct control students are willing to maintain a blog. These blogs become a connection between student and teacher. It appears to be best left at that, there are some concerns discussed based on peer pressure and self-censoring due to the audience. When students are told to have a public blog, they tend to abstain from it, some feel exposed. When blogs are controlled and monitored by the teacher, they serve as a means for safe discussion amongst students and teachers. In additions, blogs can be a student’s journal where they reflect on the lessons of the day. There are great examples of blog power presented in this article. The most impressive comes from a teacher who posts questions on the blog about material that will be covered the following week. This prompts students to think, search, and discuss before the material is even presented in class.
How can I implement blogs with my students?
I like the idea of students using blogs to reflect on what they learned during the week. It gives them a chance to write down what they like and disliked, giving me insight on how they are learning. In my classroom, I would be in control of the blog. My posts would contain material that we covered in class and students can comment on the posts. This will allow me to understand what students understood and what they did not.
What are some potential risks of student “public” blogs?
One of the major hazards that I can think of is cyber bullying. Students may not at all be inclined to post things on classroom or personal blogs in fear of being ridiculed. These long lasting effects can dampen a students learning potential.
Light, Daniel. (2011). Do web 2.0 right. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-february-march-2011.aspx
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