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ONLINE ASSIGNMENT II

ASWATHY B.K

ENGLISH

EDUCATIONAL BLOGS

BLOGS

A blog is frequently updated online personal journal or diary. It is a place to express

yourself to the world. That means it is a place to share your thoughts and your passions. For our

purposes we will say that a blog is your own website that you are going to update on an ongoing

basis. Blog is a short form for the word weblog and the two words are used interchangeably.

Weblogs are personal web pages written in chronological order and maintained through a

specific software that helps their administration. From an educational point of view weblogs are

the development of traditional learning logs for students and teachers, whether as a complement

to traditional lectures or as a e-lg tool. The importance of these applications has increased due to

the changes in the classrooms dynamics. There are many uses for weblogs in many fields. Lets

analyze what is an educational blog.

EDUCATIONAL BLOGS

An educational blog or edublog is a blog created for educational purposes. Edublogs

archive and support student and teacher learning by facilitating reflection, questioning by self

and others, collaboration and by providing context for engaging in higher order thinking.

Edublogs proliferated when blogging architecture became more simplified and teachers

perceived the instructional potential of blogs as an online resource. The use of blogs has become

popular in educational institutions including public schools and colleges.

Blogs can be useful tools for sharing information and tips among co-workers, providing

information for students, or keeping in contact with parents. Common examples include blogs

written by or for teachers, blogs maintained for the purpose of classroom instruction, or blogs

written by educational policy. Educators whose bolgs are sometimes called edubloggers.

HISTORY

Weblogs have existed for close to two decades. However it was not until the second half

of the 1990s that weblogs began to grow in popularity. In 1998, there were just a handful of sites

of the type that are now identified as weblogs (so named by James Barger in December 1997). In

1999, there were 23 known weblogs and Pitas http:// www.pitas.com/ , the first free build your

own weblog tool was launched. Also in 1999, weblogs changed from a mix of links, commentary

and thoughts to short for journal entries. An early recorded use of the term “edublog” can be

traced to a webring called the Edublog WebRing, founded on January 30, 2002. The new use of

weblogs are largely interest driven and attract readers who have similar interests. In 2004, there

were an estimated 3 million blogs and as of July, there are an estimated 164 million blogs.

The Edublog Awards, the international and community based awards program for the use

of blogs and social media to support education , runs annually online across a range of platforms.

The Awards were founded by James N .Farmer in 2004.

USES OF BLOGS

There are several uses of edublogs. Some bloggers use their blogs as a learning journal or

a knowledge log to gather relevant information and ideas and communicate with other people.

Some teachers use blogs to keep in contact with students’ parents. Some bloggers use blogs to

record their own personal life, and express emotions or feelings. Some instructors use blogs as an

instructional and assessment tool and blogs can be used as a task management tool. Blogs are

used to teach individuals about writing for an audience as they can be made public, and blogging

software makes it easier to create content for the web without knowing much HTML.

TEACHER BLOGS

There are many teacher related blogs on the internet where teachers can share

information with one another. Teachers familiarize themselves with edublogs before

implementing them with their students. Many teachers share materials and ideas to meet the

diverse needs of all learners in their classrooms. Teachers can often rely on these sources to

communicate with one another regarding any issues in education that they may be having,

including classroom management techniques and policies. In this way, the blog often act as a

support system for teachers where they can access ideas, tools and gain support and recognition

from other professionals in their field. weblogs can provide a forum for reading, writing and

collaborating.

Edublogs can be used as instructional resources, in which teachers can post tips, samples

or explanations to help students learning. The use of blogs in the classroom allows both the

teacher and students the ability to edit and add content at any time. The ability for both the

teacher and student to edit content allows for study to take place outside the classroom

environment, since blogs can usually be accessed by using the URL of the blog on any computer.

Blogs increase exposure to other students from around the country or world, while improving

writing and communication skills. Teachers are using blogs as a way to post important

information such as homework, important dates, missed lessons, projects, discussion boards and

other useful classroom information that is accessible by all. As noted, students can access

information form home or form any computer that is connected to the internet.

Teachers and parents use blogs in order to communicate with one another. They can be

used to post class announcements for parents or providing schedule reminders. Connecting to a

teacher’s blog is also a convenient way for parents to find out daily assignments so that they can

monitor their children’s progress and understand classroom expectations.

STUDENT BLOGGING IN THE K-12 CLASS

Student blogging describes students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 who are using blogs in

some way in a formal classroom context. Blogs are digital platforms that provide students with a

medium for sharing knowledge and experiences that go beyond the traditional means of reading

and writing in classrooms. Student blogging is a relative newcomer to the digital writing scene,

and appears to have gained ground only in the past 7-8 years. In the past 5 years , however,

student blogging has become a relatively common phenomenon in classrooms around the world.

This may be attributable to the increase in free blog hosting services that have adjustable privacy

settings, and the opening up of school internet filters to a greater range of social media.

The use of blogs in education gives students a global perspective. Teachers and students

from different states, countries, and continents are able to collaborate on different projects and

ideas. A classroom in China can collaborate with classrooms in Germany, Mexico, Australia

with just a few clicks of a button. Learning through blogs allows students to take control of their

own learning and steer it to their own needs. Students are able to see that opinion and even

strategies vary based on location and culture. Children are all different, but a common thread of

learning can unite them. The use of blogs in the classroom engages children in learning and

using technological literacy that will help them in adulthood.

There has not been a significant amount of research conducted on K-12 students

regarding the efficacy of edublogs in enhancing learning. However , anecdotal results discussed

by educators have given a glimpse into their utility or promise. There is a general consensus that

edublogs create many opportunities for collaborative learning, as well as enhance the ability to

locate and reflect upon work.

COMMON PEDAGOGICAL USES OF STUDENT BLOGGING IN

THE CLASSROOM

According to the exact literature, students use blogging in classrooms for different

purposes. Blogs are used to showcase individual student work by enabling them to publish texts,

video clips, audio clips, maps, photos and other images , projects and suchlike in a potentially

accessible forum. Proponents of student blogging argue that blogging can enable contribute

directly to improve d writing abilities and argue that classroom blogging enable students to

engage with audience s beyond their classroom walls by using blogs as personal journals, as

diaries, for story writing, and for making editorial responses to news events. Researchers have

also documented teachers using student blogging to promote creativity and self expression.

REASONFOR USING STUDENT BLOGGING IN CLASSROOMS

Some researchers claim that student blogs promote learning by proving opportunities for

students to take more control of their learning and the content they engage. It is also claimed that

student blogging intrinsically motivates students to become better readers and writers.

POTENTIAL LIMITATIONS/SOME CRITICISMS

There is very little research on student blogging available. That being said, there is a

large amount of published anecdotal evidence regarding criticisms of student blogging or

limitations in using blogging in classrooms. For example, commentators claim that student blogs

often include uncorrected inaccuracies of information, or can be used to instigate online bullying.

Commentators also complain that student blogs are difficult to archive or index.

NOTABLE EDUBLOGGERS

Stephen Downes

James N. Farmer

Will Richardson

George Siemens

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT BLOGS FOR TEACHERS

Although there are many blogs that teachers can use in the classroom with their students,

there is also a multitude of blogs that teachers can use for their own professional

developments. Such blogs include hints on ways to be a better teacher in a certain

subjects area such as music, mathematics, or ESL, blogs on educational theory , blogs on

advice for new teachers, blogs on where to find free technology, and blogs on

transforming education, for example. There is much that can be learned from blogs of

other teaching professionals and the learning can be done anytime and anywhere.

Education Blogs You Should Follow

If you are a teacher, student, parent, or administrator, you should be following education blogs.

Why? Simply because blogs are an ever-increasing way to spark ideas, creativity, and

innovation. The following list is a compilation of blogs for those interested in education.

Written by parents, administrators, businessmen, teachers, and administrators, these blogs stand

out with their unique style and excellent content.

Traditional Elementary Education

1. Cathy Nelson

Cathy Nelson’s blog is for educators and library media specialists who are interested in

technology integration in the classroom. She offers help, resources, and ideas from her own

personal experience. She won the Edu Blog award in 2007 and 2008.

2. Cool Cat Teacher

Cool Cat is a local teacher, author, and non-profit initiator, dedicated to inspiring fellow teachers

with innovative and fresh ideas for reaching students in the classroom. Be sure to check out The

Captivating Teacher Manifesto.

3. Principals Page

A blog centered on school administration issues. In addition to personal anecdotes, tips, and

education philosophy, he writes various articles for other websites that you can find on his site.

Examples of his work include The Connection between Teachers and Smart phones, and how

Social Media Connects Educators.

4. Teaching Blog Addict

A blog dedicated to educators who want a one-stop shop for all the best education blogs and

resources on the Web. They arrange posts by categories, so teachers looking for ideas in a certain

subject can find content quickly and easily.

5. Learning Is Messy

Brian Crosby is the author of this blog and a teacher who specializes in “at risk” students. He

shares his ideas for learning in a personal style and encourages other teachers to understand that

sometimes learning isn’t linear.

6. The Curriculum Corner

This blog is run by two teachers (who happen to also be neighbors), and gives instructional tips

for teaching lessons that meet the Common Core standards.

7. The Organized Classroom Blog

The Organized Classroom is a blog primarily for teachers who need help making their classroom

functional and efficient. The website offers free resources, tips, and ideas from local teachers

.

8. Polka Dotted Teacher

A fun and whimsical education site for teachers who need to add some color and creativity into

their classroom. Her site is in the style of Dr. Seuss.

9. Educational Advancement

This blog is part of a larger website that is dedicated to helping gifted youth. It focuses on news,

information, and other resources for parents and teachers of talented children.

Traditional College

10. Omniac Education

The Omniac blog is for high school students who are planning to go to college. The site gives

tips for taking college entrance exams, as well as ideas for maximizing the success rate of

college applications.

11. Study Hacks

A computer scientist and published author write this blog about what makes students successful.

He chronicles some of his controversial thoughts on why pursuing your passion is a bad idea and

gives tips and hints found in his numerous books.

12. Parents Countdown To College Coach

This blog is mainly for parents who might need some extra help in getting their child off to

school. Expect to find advice on how to help your child succeed in college, tips about

transitioning to a dorm room, as well as financial aid and application resources.

13. ProfHacker

A blog dedicated to helping educators with their productivity, technology integration, as well as

teaching. The latest post is an interesting entry about professionalism on social media, an

increasing problem that has only been introduced since the explosion of sites like Face book and

Twitter.

14. Thesis Whisperer

The Thesis Whisperer is a collaboration of writers and students who talk about the process of

writing a dissertation. Everything from planning your writing process, tips, presentation ideas,

and dealing with your supervisor, is covered in this group-authored blog.

15. Teen College Education

A blog written by both students and educators! Topics include admissions to college, high school

tips for maximizing college potential, and how to score well on college entrance exams. It even

gives practical advice about how to survive on a student budget and what to do after graduation.

16. University of Venus

The Inside Higher Ed blog is a large site written by numerous authors. It covers everything from

technology, to education philosophy, strategies for admissions, and career advice.

17. NextStepU

This blog is associated with the NextStepU magazine. It offers advice about various colleges and

degrees, and offers giveaways from time to time. It also has tools like scholarship search and

college match.

18. Chegg

This blog is attached to the Chegg website; a student services site for planning and study help.

The blog gives advice about finding inexpensive textbooks, study habits, and scholarships. Be

sure to check out the post, What Does Your Major Say About You

19. The Ivy Coach

The author of this blog is Bev Taylor, a well-known counselor who is frequently seen on media

sites, giving tips about getting into Ivy League schools. Her blog centers on helping students gain

entrance into the school of their dream. She also offers herself for hire!

20. Stratedgy

The Stratedgy blog is meant for educators who want to discuss ways to compete in an ever-

expanding world of education options.

E-Learning and Edtech

21. Tic Tac Interactive

Tic Tac interactive is Scandinavia’s “leader in digital education” – and their blog features some

pretty interesting conversations about education.

22. The Daily Riff

From their “About Us” page: As provocateur, muse, catalyst and game changer, The Daily Riff

will “sniff and sift” through our edu-culture, “curating” news and opinion in quick, digest-sized

take-aways for you to use and share. I think that says it all.

23. E-learn Space

This site is full of solid information regarding open courseware, technology, education

philosophy, and networking. There are slide presentations to go with some of the posts as well.

24. Speed of Creativity

Wesley Fryer is a keynote speaker and author who own this blog. He explores topics like digital

storytelling, creativity and technology integration in education. Many of his presentations,

handouts, and other materials are available to read and download

25. Beth Knittle

Beth Knittle is a technology integration specialist for a K-12 district and blogs about her learning

experiences. She has presented at several major education conferences like MassCUE and

EduCon. She has an attached Wiki and a scrupulously organized archive page.

26. Edcomp Blog

A lecturer in Scotland at the University of Strathclyde authors this blog. Check out his blog post

on creating memorable passwords for middle school students, or his review of text online

adventure games. He writes in short post form, making it an easy blog to read when you are short

on time.

27. The Tech Savvy Educator

This blog is a practical guide to technology integration. There are posts about using the iPad in

the classroom, how to make an inexpensive green screen, as well as starting up an online book

club. The owner and author is Ben Rimes, a K-12 technology specialist in Michigan.

28. Will Richardson

Will Richardson is a published author, TED talk presenter, and parent who blogs about

technology and its educational potential. His book about web tools for the classroom has sold

over 80,000 copies.

29. The Thinking Stick

This blog covers all things technology and education. The author is Jeff Utecht, an educator,

consultant, and author. Some of his top tweeted posts are 10 Reasons to Trash Word and Use

Google Docs, Gmail Tips for Teachers, and Lecture as Content Delivery is Dead.

30. The Rapid E-Learning Blog

This is a blog all about e-learning. It tackles topics such as how to design e-courses, web

applications for e-learning, PowerPoint, graphic design, and interactive e-learning.

31. Life in Perpetual Beta

Harold Jarche’s blog is called Life in Perpetual Beta. His topics center on practical tips for

leadership, social networking in business, and collaboration. He tackles ideologies of learning

and knowledge from a philosophical perspective, adding technological aspects to his writing.

32. The Online Learning Update

The Online Learning Update is a blog about online education news and research. The editor is

Ray Schroeder, a University of Illinois professor, and he gathers headlines about university open

courseware.

33. E-Learning Queen

Stop at the E-Learning Queen blog and meet the Queen’s assistant, Susan Smith Nash. She

humorously names her reader the “queen” of e-learning, since you are reading her site. She

focuses on distance learning, e-course design, and social/psychological issues surrounding the

online education process.

34. Funny Monkey

Funny Monkey blog is highlights all the news and information related to Funny Monkey, a

business dedicated to making educational materials free. In addition to news, the blog also covers

major educational issues, technology, and classroom solutions.

35. Cammy Bean’s Learning Visions

Cammy Bean’s Learning Visions blog is about e-learning design. She hosts webinars about the

best ways to effectively design e-courses, tools to use, and how to get started.

36. Dangerously Irrelevant

A blog written by Dr. Scott Mcleod that focuses on the problem between exploding technology

and the educational system that cannot keep up. Rather than integrating technology into a

classroom that is outdated and behind, he offers solutions to these incongruities.

37. The Innovative Educator

This blog focuses on strategies and technology solutions for education that are “way out of the

box”. Lisa Nielson is the owner and author, having appeared in many well-known publications

such as The New York Times and Huffington Post.

Education Policies

38. Best of Education Blog

This Best of Education Blog, hosted by the National Education Policy Center, pulls recent posts

from various education bloggers. It covers all education issues including teacher unions,

curriculum, technology, policy, and even teacher evaluations.

39. Eduwonk

Sponsored by Bethwether Education Partners, this blog is about education policy and politics.

The primary author, Andrew J. Rotherham, served as a special assistant to President Bill Clinton,

and currently writes the weekly School of Thought column for Time magazine.

40. Thoughts On Education Policy

This blog primarily focuses on urban poverty as it relates to educational policy. The author

Corey Bower became frustrated with the education system after trying to teach in an inner city

New York school for two years. Now, he is a professor of leadership at Niagara University.

Expect to read posts about frustrating classroom conditions, the differences in high and low

performing schools, and why everyone should have a liberal arts education.

41. Edwize

Edwize is a blog for education news and opinion. It focuses on New York schools, teachers, and

issues. Be sure to check out the section called New Teacher Diaries- real life stories from New

York’s new public school teachers.

42. Education Experts Blog

This blog’s tagline is, “Debating the future of American education.” Expect to read posts about

politics, testing problems, and other issues plaguing the current educational system.

43. Edspresso

Edspresso’s clever name highlights the focus of this blog- a daily morning shot of the latest

education news and reform. It covers headlines and politics as it relates to education and is

updated frequently.

44. Successful Schools

Scott Taylor is an assistant superintendent and professor at the University level. His blog is listed

on Edudemic’s website as one of the top education blogs that you should follow. His casual

conversational style is easy to read and still packs a powerful and profound punch.

45. Joanne Jacobs

Joanne Jacobs, writer and educator, writes a blog about education in general. A diverse range of

topics are covered.

46. Campaign K-12

A blog focusing on education and politics. Current posts center around the campaign trail leading

up to the US election in November, and how it relates to education policy.

47. Stories From School

Stories from School was labeled as one of the best educational blogs of 2010. It focuses on real

life examples and stories of teachers and how they are impacted by the latest educational policy

changes.

Learning Techniques

48. Thank You Brain

This blog focuses on ways to improve your ability to memorize. Dr. Bill Klemm is a

neuroscientist, education consultant, and professor who chronicles some of his research on this

personal blog.

49. Cerebral Hacks – Education

Cerebral Hacks is a blog about the brain and how it functions. It has a section dedicated to

learning and education that educators should check out.

50. 2¢ Worth

David Warlick cleverly writes his “2 cents” worth of education strategy, measuring success, and

how to learn. He admits that often his posts spark more questions than answers.

ENGLISH TEACHER BLOGS

Whether you need inspiration for creative writing lessons, exam resources or advice on career

development – here are some of the best English blogs recommended for you

Follow the list of bloggers for hints, tips and advice for teaching English.

Web of notes Twitter: @johncmurphy7

Written by John Murphy, an English and history teacher, Web of Notes contains useful material

for those teaching the junior certificate in Ireland. There are also inspiring short film clips, handy

links to Shakespeare resources and online literary games.

Ed-U-Like Twitter: @murphiegirl

From dynamite paragraphs to using Lego to explore poetic structure, Ed-U-Like contains lots of

practical lesson ideas and professional development inspiration.

Learning Spy Twitter: @LearningSpy

Education guru David Didau's blog is full of reflective posts looking at how we teach and assess

literacy – not to mention reams of advice about Ofsted.

Reading all the books Twitter: @readingthebooks

As the title suggests, this blog has a mission: to get teachers and students reading. It contains

reviews of education books as well as books that teacher Jo recommends to her students.

Learning from my mistakes: an English teacher's blog

Learning from my mistakes covers all the big topics – language analysis, GCSE prep, creative

writing. A letter to an NQT or my NQT self is essential reading for anyone joining the

profession.

Geoff Barton's Pick 'n' Mix Twitter: @RealGeoffBarton

Geoff Barton's Pick 'n' Mix blog (an offshoot of his main site, which can be found here) is a

collection of links to articles on language and literacy – aimed mostly at teachers of A-level

English language and English.

A new way of quenching my thirst Twitter: @DrDawnie

Dawn blogs about pedagogy for English teachers and professional development.

Hunting English Twitter: @HuntingEnglish

Alex Quigley, assistant head at a York secondary school, writes a professional and regularly

updated blog about teaching strategies, coaching and improvement, "with some political

arguments and miscellany along the way".