Before this course I had only written one blog, so this concept is still fairly new to me. As I researched educational uses for blogs, I found more articles directed at teachers to connect with each other to exchange ideas. This proved beneficial as I see that there are many other sources of information out there for me to gain ideas for teaching middle school science. When I specified my search engine for middle school science, I came across several more pertinent articles. One article: "Blogs in Education" I found on Adultlearn.com, provided many ideas which I had already had in mind since learning how to use iWeb in previous courses. Blogging in middle school can be very beneficial as it can provide students many opportunities to enhance skills such as writing and keyboarding. Blogging also allows students a means for self-expression. Middle school times are tough and I think that this age group would benefit from an additional outlet for self-expression!
I came across a very interesting science blog created by Steve Spangler which had an excellent layout and included many examples of videos of science experiments. I actually signed up to get updates! This was yet another confirmation of how I can use blogging to include video to demonstrate video examples of science experiments done in the lab for students who may have been absent.
"Science Blogs in Middle High School Classes" by David R. Wetzel (August 30, 2008) was another excellent article I researched to gain ideas on implementation for blogging in the science classroom.
One thing that really stood out to me was that blogs can be easily updated. This will be convenient as information and instructions/deadlines may change over time. This article also touched on my biggest concern with blogging on my home campus: access to technology. We have limited time and access to computers, so I am still pondering how to incorporate this into my instruction. I am also thinking about those students who do not have internet access at home. I also had one question from the article. The article discussed comparisons between teacher websites and blogs and it left me thinking: should I use one or the other, or a combination of BOTH??? I know that with iWeb, you can have a blog as a page. But I was kind of leaning towards iGoogle after Dr. Deason's class, I don't know.
Anyway, well I will close on how I could see myself using blogging with my instruction:
First of all, as I stated earlier~ I would want students to have the freedom to write freely and be able to express themselves. I would also use blogging as a means to challenge them through problem solving (science related) using Bloom's Taxonomy questioning strategies, which is something we are pushing for on our campus. I would also use blogging to allow students who are not present the opportunity to stay connected to what is going on in class. This leads me to PARENTS: they too can stay in the know of what is going on in science class as they view blogs, videos, and pics of what their children are doing! And last but not least, I would use blogging to provide extra credit opportunities for students who may need to improve their score or for those who want supplemental assignments and resources related to science content. WOW! I have my work cut out for me! I can't wait to get started! Well, after I finish my own work first.... LOL! ; )
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Yesenia I am also intrigued with using blogs in education however there are so many restrictions in my districts teachers feel why bother. It is so frustrating that these policy makers say they want to improve the quality of education yet they tie our hands when we try to innovate.
I love the discovery and exploration in you writing for this blog. It's relaxed and natural, but still focused on the task at hand. Great ideas. I hope you are able to incorporate blogs for your students.
Post a Comment