How to blog?
That is what we are learning so that we can share it with our students or people in similar circumstances.
Where to blog?
Anywhere you have access to a computer that connects to the internet (or iphone/similar phone with internet capabilities?)
When to blog?
Anytime you have:
1) a question that can be answered by others in the same circumstances
2) an "epiphany" moment when you can share how you came to an understanding of the subject
3) anyone want to lend a hand here?
What to blog?
Covered by when to blog (above) questions, answers, insights, etc...
Whom to blog?
Others who can benefit from or those who can give a greater understanding of the subject
Why blog?
It can be done from anywhere, anytime and with anyone who can add to or gain from the information being shared...
Example #1
I gave a "Trig" test on Friday.
Prior to that, on Wednesday, I gave my students a review that laid out the types of questions that I expected them to know how to solve.
If I had a blog set up and they were all members of it they could share questions, answers, methods and strategies to solve the different types of problems they faced. It would not matter when or where they studied for the test as long as they had access to the blog. It is another way to foster learning and caring of the subject matter and it would give them another "good" reason to be surfing the web. It would also give them some sympathy or empathy from others in the group.
When I accessed their replies and posts, I could give them examples, formulas, hints or answers to specific types of problems. I could also give them links to the practical applications, thus, answering that famous, age-old and scariest question, "Mr. Martin, when am I ever going to use this?". And the great thing is we could all do this from the comfort of our own homes. I am wondering right now if I could set up a "time-released" answer key to the review (announced or unannounced).
Example #2
If there was a blog set up for different teachers (and undoubtedly there are!!!) they could share what is working, what is not working, different ways and techniques, examples and anecdotes to help each others students learn and understand. It could also be linked to people with professions that could tell them when a certain type of problem is encountered and how to solve it. Posts coming from someone who is in the field would certainly give credibility as to why students are expected to know, understand and care about the types of problems I give them. Seeing direct applications would also deepen their understanding of the subject matter.
Bill, you have a strong start - and are seeing connections to how blogging can be a transformational tool in instruction - allowing reflection and the end user the opportunity to ask for thoughts from others as well as to reflect on your own professional practice!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you about the passwords and accounts. I started using the same password on quite a few of these accounts that we're setting up, but then my husband pointed out that if someone figured out the password, everything I have would be wide open. If there's a better way to keep track of everything, I hope someone finds it!
ReplyDeleteI also feel the reluctance to change some of things that I've become so comfortable with - IE seemed like an old friend, as I knew what I was getting every time I pulled it up. I have to admit, though, that if not for this class I wouldn't have used Firefox, and I do like this browser. Hopefully some of our "new friends" will become just as comfortable to us as our "old friends".