Listen to our friend Paddy in Portugal
Writing for a real audience
Extra practice of reading and writing
Creation of somebody’s or a group’s own multimedia environment
Students’ work can be read by their peers
It builds up a sense of community
The practice of English goes beyond the classroom
The online environment encourages shy students to express themselves
Students can get replies from all over the world
Relatives and friends can see what is being done in the classroom
No technical expertise needed
It enhances Creativity
It is a rich learning space
Are you ready to dive in? Or are you a non-believer?
- Expressing ideas, thoughts, feelings
- Sharing photos and files
- Building communities
- Very personal
Bené’s
Claudia Bellusci’s
Ewan’s
Have you ever built one or written on a friend’s blog?
Can you think of different Blog applications in the classroom?
- Sharing ideas, tips, feelings, experiences
- Discussing online readings
- Commenting on presentations
- Building communities with other teachers and professionals
- Being in touch with teachers from all over the world
- Finding partners to work on collaborative projects
Becoming a Webhead
Scrapbooking Project
Adding voice to leave a message, comment, thought
Practice of oral communication for students
Teaching
Check the examples:
Paddy’s Podomatic – An example of Kids’ production
Bee on Blogs – Talking to an Audience
Hornby Summer School – Interviews
Teacher John´s Podcast – Teaching English
Start with your own blog. Test it, ask friends to reply, use the tools available
Take a look at other blogs. Check their layout and content.
Comment on other people’s blog to see how it works.
Start small.
Choose a special group or project to begin blogging
Don’t use the blog as a replication of your classroom. Go beyond!
Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to show you don’t know.
Remember your students may know more about blogging than you. Explore the talents.
Take risks trying out different uses for the blog
Blogs ask for interactivity. Find different ways to build a class community.
Blogs are about content. Don’t correct form. Let your students express themselves and use their creativity.
Find your blog voice and tone.
Blogs are a great reflective tool. Encourage students to use their critical thinking skills.
Don’t use copyrighted images.
Keep it fresh. Update it.
Learn about RSS feeds as a step further.
Any other helpful tip?
Try Blogger – intuite and user-friendly
Listen to Graham and find out why there are so many teachers getting involved in blogging.
Please, take a minute to reflect on what you’ve learned about blogs.
Are you willing to give it a try?
Would you use it in the classroom, for personal expression, or for professional development?
What else do you need to start blogging?
Feel free to write a comment, suggestion, ideas in the “comment area”.
Just for fun