Module 2

Well, I mean, just where do you start?

I read one of the recommended blogs where the individual completed the course in record time -  purely because he was so interested. My interest has had the opposite effect.... 

I have spent the better part of four hours just completing the second part of this module. There were so many sites to explore and so many interesting things to look at and read! This also wasn't just a desperate attempt to get out of the laundry... or help my sons with their homework...

At this rate I may be seeking an extension until Christmas!

We were asked to consider the use of blogs as a learning tool in our classrooms, so here are some of my observations:

Use of blogs in the classroom #1 - Feedback and Interaction
I was so proud of my first Blog, I sent the link to my parents. You are never too old for parental approval. They were suitably impressed.  

Classroom Implications:
Students receive positive feedback and parents are engaged in their child's learning.

Use of blogs in the classroom #2  - Support in Learning
I had two typos in my blog that were noted by my father... I then managed to work out how to go back and edit a post! 

Classroom Implications:
Students can receive feedback from a number of sources and learn valuable editing, spelling, grammar and punctuation skills.

Use of blogs in the classroom #3  - Sharing and development of ideas
It is so easy to add a comment and  expand on ideas already initiated. In loud, noisy environments, the quieter voices do, well - actually have a voice. 

Classroom Implications:
Collaborative learning. For the children who are reluctant to speak, they are given a voice. A teacher can't listen to the ideas of all the children who may be working collaboratively in a group, but this allows for a spread of ideas. Teachers can also be more aware of what groups are doing when working independently.


Use of blogs in the classroom #4  - Huge variety of expression.
Children may easily use and up load videos, links, pictures and so on to support their ideas.

Classroom Implications:
For any teacher who pales at the thought of yet another PowerPoint presentation... I rest my case...

Use of blogs in the classroom #5 - Blogger saves drafts.
My computer just crashed and all of the above went with it - or so I thought. I did find myself considering death by drowning -  in a glass of red cask Coolabah. (what teacher can afford a Henschke?)


Classroom Implications:
Auto save... Substance abuse avoidance...

New skills and Blogger Site benefits:
My blog now has  a list of some good sites I regularly use.I worked out how to add these as a result of exploring gadgets  in the set up section. As a class blog, this could suggest links to parents and children that they could find useful. I often add helpful sites to paper homework sheets, but these can easily get lost. I want to add more to my current blog, so I can access them more easily, but it's a bit late, so that will come!

I use Reading Eggs, Mathletics, Squirk, Study Ladder and Spelling City in my classroom (just to name a few!) so this could make things easier for all.  

I do want to work out how to make my site more interactive and dynamic with tabs and so on. I can't wait for a chance to check out Edu Blogs, Word Press and Weebly in particular. They do look like they have a lot to offer in the classroom.