BloggingIntroDec2Elanco

for learningBlogging

12-2-13 Elanco

Welcome!Please reference this site to support your

learning today:

!

tinyurl.com/dec2blogging

!What does it mean to write in digital spaces? !How do we use writing to support learning? !How do we prepare our students to use digital environments that most likely will be the majority (if not only) platform that they will be working in and with?

Source: Silvia Tolisano

A blog...• is a method of communication

• is a website with entries called posts

• encourages the exchange of ideas

• includes features such as comments, hyperlinked text and other media to increase user interactivity

• is easy to set up and maintain!

In ELANCO…• Students use the Kidblog platform (Gr. 2-6)

• Teachers have Kidblog spaces and can post and/or can utilize the Wordpress platform for home-school communication purposes

http://langwitches.org/blog/2008/09/14/blogs-vs-static-websites/

http://langwitches.org/blog/2008/09/14/blogs-vs-static-websites/

Why blog?• Develop and strengthen communication skills

• Great platform for reflection

• Interactive: two-way communication and discourse encouraged

• A “real” writing experience - opportunities for revised compositions and shared with authentic audience

• Promotes digital citizenship and building a positive digital footprint

• Collaborative opportunities and global connections

Setting the stage.

http://suewaters.com/tag/blogging-cycle/

Preparing students.

Image: Rodd Lucier

Parents as partners.

Image: Pernille Ripp

global connections

To consider:• Sharing permissions

• Approval processes for posts and comments

• Managing and sharing feeds - RSS is your friend

• Topic choices, commenting requirements, content area connections

• Taking blogging to the next level: connections, creative writing, ePortfolios

“I think the biggest tip that I'd have for classroom teachers interested in building interest in blogging among their students would be to see blogging as something more than just a place for students to post stand-alone thoughts.

For me, the power in blogging rests not in what I write alone, but in the reactions that others have to my writing and in my efforts to read and respond to the thoughts of others.

Accomplished bloggers seek out others who are wrestling with common areas of interest, primarily because opportunities to interact with ideas is motivating. One of the tenets of constructivism is that true learning only takes place when deeply held personal beliefs are challenged by contrary evidence. In those moments, individuals are forced to refine and revise ideas that they once held to be true.

In a sense, blogging makes such experiences possible for everyone. It is, in some ways, a remarkable opportunity for differentiation because writers of all ages are wrestling with interesting ideas at all times. With a bit of poking around, challenging content can be found for anyone.”

Bill Ferriter