EDT+650

= = =__ Foundations of Educational Technology __ Blogs: = **__Are you interested in Blogging? __**
 * amsking.blogspot.com **

This article points out the obvious facts of blogging; · Quick interaction with peers and teachers · Evens playing field for quiet students (eliminates “wait time”) · Easier to set-up and maintain than a Web site However, it pointed out some faults in blogs. One fault which is a concern of mine, states that the majority of blog entries are done during school hours. The reality being, not all students have access to the internet, or for that matter, a computer at home. It also argues that quality of work being done by students. Critics worry about bad habits being formed. For example; bad grammar, poor spelling, and using abbreviations associated with text messaging. Teachers still have work to maintain a blog even after it is set-up. Though the work in not as intense as a Website. All in all, I would have to concur with a teacher’s quote, “If it gets kids excited about learning, we might as well try it.”

“Blog Basics” breaks down what a blog is all about. Besides defining it as a web publishing tool and how friendly it is, the article list four basic functions a blog can serve 1) classroom management 2) collaboration 3) discussion 4) student portfolios. The author also included risks to consider when blogging and made a list to prepare students for the publishing tool. As I begin to create my lesson plan for blogs, I will definitely make sure my expectations are clearly stated.



Being new to blogs, I found this article to have some interesting points. I laughed when I read school administrators generally dismiss blogs as “faculty bathroom graffiti”. The article leans more toward the side of blogs giving a look beyond standardized test scores and into what really takes place in schools. Blogs can raise important issues, but beware; you don’t want to lose your job! Another way teachers are using blogs, is to vent about things going on in education. I believe this would be a great way to become unemployed. I would not use blogs as an online journal for myself. (That’s what composition books are for) I will use blogs as a tool in my classroom. I will also be monitoring the blog carefully!

"33 ways to use blogs in your classroom and in the educational setting" is completely worth taking a look at! This article gives you (obviously) 33 ways to use blogs as a medium to have “conversations” with others. It does not limit the conversations to students only, but to parents, staff members, the community, and world. I especially like the way it mentioned using a blog to help get parents involved in PTA. My favorite was setting us a blog to report on acts of “good” in our community!

=Explorations in Learning= In my opinion, this article is awful. The author was summarizing and comparing other articles written about blogs. The only thing I enjoyed was the author’s closing statement; “…combination of blog writing and news feeds helps connect students to one another and to others outside the classroom, creating networks of learning that promote reading, writing, and critical thinking!”

=Here are my 3 favorite websites...check them out!!! = =**Site:** Study Island **URL:** [|http://www.studyisland.com] **Description: Very easy to use. It will show your state's standards and have assessments and reports just for you. A really great site. ** = = =


 * Site:** Horoscope **URL:** [|http://www.writingsinthesky.com] **Description:** We all should have a "heads-up" on the day!


 * Site:** Starfall **URL:** [|http://www.starfall.com] **Description:** Nice website for k-2 or ESL students. Contains exciting interactive book and phonics games. Offers free worksheets to print too.

=Educational Game/Tool = = My favorites =  Here you with find interactive science games for students.

Here you will find video clips, movies, and more to help intergrate technology in your classroom. (not free)

**3 lessons I believe model good technology intergration **

Lesson 1 Grade level ~ 9-12 Technology Used ~ computer/digital cameras/power point/Internet In this lesson students will make connections between hardware and software. The students use the Internet as a resource tool. Lesson comes complete with hand-outs!

Lesson 2 Grade level ~ 9-12 Technology Used ~ computer/power point This lesson pairs students in groups of four, they are challenged to take pictures of Assistive Technology in their school. Then students must create a Power Point explaining what the devices are used for. Great simple way of using technology.

Lesson 3 Grade level ~ 2-6 Technology Used ~ computer/publisher I think this lesson is a novel way to teach text boxes. First scan a coloring page of a cemetery with many tombstones. Use that page to demonstrate how to insert text boxes. Encourage students to label their tombstones uniquely…”HERE LIES LYING”, “RIP MONDAYS”…This lesson also offers a follow-up lesson in writing an obituary. How clever!