Final Blog Part C

What do you see as the educational value of blogs in the classroom?
It gets students writing. I teach math and science and need a way to incorporate writing in the curriculum. This is a great way to get students to become involved with educational discussions.

How about outside of the classroom?
I think that the value is what you put into it. I have read some blogs that are therapeutic. People who write about their ailments and struggles. It is a way to get someone to listen or at least to get your thoughts out there. I think that is something that everyone needs at some point. T Hey need that outlet and I think that blogs provide that for some people.

What role should teacher and students have in a blogging experience?
The teacher should facilitate, monitor and direct discussion on the blog. It should not turn into a socail networking site. The student should be involved in the discussion on a regular basis. I think that giving assigned amount to blog will help students keep on track.

In your view, and based on this experience, how can blogs be integrated appropriately and effectively in K-12 classrooms?
There is so much that you can do with a blog that it is hard to get started. In my math class, I could start a blog where I put up questions of the week and students respond with their answers written out in words instead of math terms. In science I could post articles on advances in science and students could write reflections to the articles. I think with internet access as avaiable as it is now, students would be able to interact through a blog with no problem.