Classroom Blogs

An appropriate definition for a blog in my opinion would be: a journal on steroids. A blog is similar to a Web site in that it is capable of having links to other sites. The most unique feature though is the post. The posts are what keep the readers coming back for more. Blogs can be useful in the classroom in many different ways. In my classroom, I will use blogs as a reading and writing tool. Hopefully I will be able to have posts that draw enough interest to encourage students to engage and comment. There are several important steps to consider in order to prepare students for blogging. Parents need to give permission for their children to participate on the blog before students begin using it. Communicating clearly what the blog is and how it functions is also important. Also, setting guidelines as to what is acceptable needs to be understood by the students.

I do agree with the seven reasons listed on Steve Wheeler's blog. The common theme of all his reasons was continuing the growth of the teacher's  mental capacities. If teachers are unwilling to stretch themselves then their I believe their students will follow suit.

The blog example was a post that would be particularly special to the parents. It was cool to see the children each have their turn to share on camera. If parents feel connected to their child's classroom, many positive possibilities await.