Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Utilizing Blogs in the Classroom (Application 2 for EDUC 6710)
Using blogs in the classroom can be a very beneficial activity. I teach in a self-contained classroom for students age 8-12 (give or take a year). My students have severe cognitive and physical and/or health impairments. I work with my students on communication skills, self-care skills, work routines, and even play skills. Given the physical and cognitive limitations many see in my students, the idea of a blog in the classroom may not seem all that beneficial. However, the use of a blog in my classroom is still a great idea. Helping my students post pictures, stories of field trips, and works of art to the blog will allow their families to be involved in what is going on. It also gives my students the chance to take pride in what they have done. They can spend some time with their families viewing the blog at home. Those students who are able to communicate through the use of an augmentative device or through picture cards can explain to the families what they are looking at. Most of all, it allows them the chance to participate and use technology like everyone else.
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Shannon, I agree that this is a useful tool for your classroom. You can create a classroom blog instead of individual blogs. Everyone can work together to create an inviting space for family, friends and others. Kathryn
ReplyDeleteShannon,
ReplyDeleteYou really have some great ideas. For students who may not be able to communicate so well on their own this would give them another avenue to utilize. And I bet they would love it. It also helps to get family members more involved in what is going on. How many students do you have? The only part that I would wonder about is do you have enough time if you have to help them do this or do you think that they would be able to pick it up after instruction from you? I teach art and I know how frazzled I become when I try something completely new and the students flip out because they all want my help and they don't want to wait. Always worth it in the end but it is a rough start.
Susan
I have eight students (soon to be nine). Due to the severity of their needs, our class sizes are limited. Even with such a "small" group, things do indeed become frazzled. We would set up a classroom blog that we can update together once or twice a week in class. Another teacher and I are working on getting a projector we can share in our rooms to work on these kinds of projects with our students.
ReplyDeleteI think your idea is wonderful. Being able to share accomplishments with their families is so rewarding for your students, I'm sure. We all like to have our work celebrated, and blogging can be shared by many, even relatives that live far away.
ReplyDeleteI applaud your patience with these special children. I don't know if I could do it.
Kim