I tried to log onto my blog at school today, and I found out that it was blocked. Boy was I disappointed! I picked this specific blog software because I felt that it was fairly easy to navigate, but I'm frustrated that the school blocks it.
When I think about a use for a blog in the 8th grade computer classroom, I wish I taught a core subject because there are many uses for blogs in English, Science, Social Studies, and even Math. So, I began thinking about my students and the projects they create. Our class discussions are centered around the project they are creating for that week. I do not always hear from all my students, and I certainly get lots of questions when the students are in the midst of creating their projects. It occurred to me that I could create a blog to have discussions based on a specific computer topic or just a general topic. Eventually, we could blog with other computer classes that I teach and then with other schools. I could also use the blog for a reference guide/frequently asked questions about the project that the students are working on. I believe that the blog would help to enhance the lesson because students would be able to collaborate and interact in a different way. I can also use the blog to post assignments for the class. In using blogs, I think that it would help students to express themselves in a different way and open communication between them.
That stinks its blocked at your school. Would they unblock it for you since it has educational purposes for it? Can't hurt to ask. I think your site can be beneficial to your students. Do your students do science fair projects? It would be nice for your blog to be able to enhance their work on their projects some how. Keep up the good work. I'll be interested to see when students start using your site.
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem at my school about many educational sites being blocked. We are not able to set up blogs for classroom instruction and all blog sites are blocked. I did ask my principal if I would be able to set something up for the course I am taking to use with my students. He told me it is district policy to not allow blogs.
ReplyDeleteI do like the idea you have for using the blog as a question and answer resource for students. I know some of my questions have been answered when other colleagues have posted questions on the Course Home page. I could see your blog working in the exact same way. It is also a great way to reach students when you have to work with multiple classes.
Thanks for the info on Kidblog and Edmodo! I am eager to see if these sites are blocked when I return to work on Tuesday 1/18/11. It will be great if they aren't. I would really like to incorporate a blog into my lessons. Thanks again.
ReplyDeletePerhaps video conferencing would also be a good option for your students to communicate with each other.
ReplyDeleteI am in a similar situation with my district and blogs being blocked. I have contacted the IT department and my principal to see if the block can be lifted, but haven't heard anything in a few days. I could see this being a big problem if I'm hoping to use my blog as a classroom resource. Please let us know if you are able to get the ban lifted.
ReplyDeleteI just asked my assistant principal whether or not I would be able to implement the use of a blog with my freshmen Algebra 1 classes (the students all seem VERY excited about the idea), and he said he would look into it for me - he actually seemed thrilled by the idea. Hopefully, we will not encounter the same problems you are having. It will be nice to see if this is something we can do - I will keep you posted!
ReplyDelete