Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts (Chapt 1-3)

Before this class, I thought I was pretty up to date with technology, but the more I read and learn in class, I am realizing how much stuff there really is out there in regards to technology that can be used in the classroom.  As a teacher, I think it’s important to stay on top of what is available to us to use.  As I was reading the first chapter and read all the stats about technology, I realized that most likely my students will know more about technology than I will.  I will try to learn about new technology as I can, but thought it might be fun to have my students show me some of the technology programs they are using.  I would have to check them out first and make sure they are safe to share with the class and have my student’s using, but this may be a great way to also teach my students about staying safe online.  I think it’s very important to teach students how to be safe.  Kids usually access the internet from home and that is where they do most of their socializing, but I think sometimes parents don’t know what their kids are doing online.  As a teacher, if I am having my students create Wiki’s or Blogs, I will make sure they know how to stay safe on all social sites. 

Since I now have a blog, reading chapter 2 just reinforced how easy a blog is to use and the use of blogs within the classroom.  A blog is a great way to have students share their thoughts and ideas on classroom topics.  A blog would also be a great way to organize class materials so they are online and available to your students whenever a computer with internet is near. 

I also learned how blogs can be used to benefit groups of teachers or whole school districts.  Teachers can share their ideas with others on their blogs, school committees and groups can post their minutes and contribute to the blog between meetings, and schools can create whole school web sites.  School blogs could allow clubs, sports teams and school activities to update their own pages so they are always up to date and relevant. 

Chapter 3 gave some great ideas as to how to start a blog yourself, and then take it into the classroom.  I think it’s very important to try something yourself before you have your students do it so that you know what you are doing and are able to help them if they need it.  I liked how the author said to start small.  I think a lot of us get so excited to do something that we jump right into it and get up over our heads.  So starting small allows the students and us as teachers get used to the process and what we want to achieve with our blog.