Blog experience

I have always been enamored with the idea of incorporating blogs within the class environment.  I have learned that although blogging is easy to do, it does take time and dedication to keep up with positing.  I like the idea of using blogs as a way to allow students to share their ideas in a nonthreatening environment but as a teacher, I think that it would be difficult to adequately participating in the 6 different blogs (one for each class).  Despite the time it takes, it would not prevent me from keeping up with one for the sake of my students.  Teaching a second language, students need to be given an opportunity to practice using the language through written and video blogs.  At then end of the day, the sacrifice is worth it if students learning will be enriched and enhanced through the use of blogs.

Digital Storytelling

Digital storytelling is a great way to motivate students in learning a second language.  I have used them for a variety of topics.  Students become extremely motivated to create dialogues and "produce" a movie because of the technological aspect.  My students who normally lack interest in participating on a regular basis because they  are shy tend to do well on  the projects because they are in complete control and can always go back and edit and record if something is not to their liking.

Blog ideas

I was sifting through the Internet about blogging and came across this article.  It has a lot of great ideas on how to use blogs in the classroom.  Many of them we are ideas that we are aware of already but there are some new ideas as well.  Check it out!
I like the one about using it to share their family's traditions and history.  I would also like to add having students evaluating websites to the list of uses.  This could prove to be very helpful when doing a research-based project/paper.  Students could post their reviews of a site that their peers could access and determine if it is a site worth visiting for their particular project.

Enlarge the text

Using computers makes it easier to address some of the needs of your special needs students.  I have a student who does not wear glasses and I noticed that when using the computer he was squinting to see the screen.  Apple computers make it very easy to enlarge the text on the screen.  I was able to show him how to do that and he was able to easily see the material and complete his online quiz with ease.

First Blog

This is exciting....my first blog.  I am hoping to institute blogs in my classroom this year.  Of course, they will be located on my schools StudyWiz account.  This will ensure the students Internet safety and privacy.