I didn't want to start the blog out on a negative note, but I am scared to start this project. I know that I do not have time to monitor all content and I'm afraid that something inappropriate would appear and that I would miss it! Right now there is a Facebook Page attributed to me that I have yet to see. Apparently a couple of my AP students have created me and there are numerous comments. It is all in Spanish and I understand that it is harmless, but..
I guess what must happen is a more controlled blog. I experimented last semester with a ParaBLOG where students post paragraphs (the learning process) but I didn't like it and I see that I realy doesn't qualify as blogging! I used 21classes which is pretty good (for free stuff)!
Right now I am thinking about have them Think About their Thinking in Spanish. That might help control content, but it probably won't inspire anyone to look at anyone else's blog.
Again, not really taking advantage of its potential.
Guess I will have to keep thinking about it...
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4 comments:
Hi Julie,
The Think About their Thinking in Spanish blog is a great idea. They can practice their writing communication while you know what they are learning (or thinking) in your class. But you may be right about students not viewing each other's blog. You can also provide a rubric with minimum requirements of visiting 2 or 3 peers' blogs. However, once a month, you can have them choose a topic that is appropriate that they would be interesting in writing about. Maybe they will get a kick out of that. Keep us posted on how the Think About their Thinking blog is going.
Alisa
Julie, check into Facebook and find your page - what your students consider harmless may not be to you, a perspective employer or even a parent of a future student. Anything we post or control on line - even those things that others post about us - needs to be monitored. The Internet is a very open communication tool and we need to use it wisely. I am so glad that blogs, wikis and podcasts are part of our ITS program so that we may pro-active with this form of learning AND be the ones that teach our students its power and encourage their correct uses.
I understand your fear, and last year 1 of my Ap students created a myspace account for me and while I never looked at it, I gave him two weeks to have his fun and then told him it better come down and it did.
Having control or should I say not having complete controll is a lottle scarry but I think that if we can get past OUR feas ( I have them also) it will foster higher order thinking skills for our students
I can understand your fear. People can use blogs against you. During the recent election I heard about blogs being monitored and used against candidates in local elections. That is why I did not start one when I ran for office this past year.
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