Weblogs -Pedagogy and Practice

Young children play games and blog on Club Penguin.   Today, 73% of teens between the ages of 12-17 have used a social media site.   With statistics like this we can say that weblogs and students go together like peanut better and jelly.  It make perfect sense that they should be part of the classroom.  The students in our classrooms have a comprehensive knowledge of technology.   Introducing webblogging into our classroom will allow these students to use a vehicle that they are very comfortable with and will also allow the most reticent student voice their ideas and opinions.  Their voice will be heard as far as technology can reach.

 Mr.Richarson points out that blogs are a collaborative space where students can interact with authors and scientists.  As a Spanish teacher, my students can have a conversation with students in South American, the Caribbean and Spain.  The cultural exchanges and possibilities endless and they can take place in the target language.   The web has become a place to research, reflect and collaborate. 

On a personal note and as I teacher I especially like the idea of having all handouts available electronically to students.   They can access the information, copies of worksheets and assignments from any computer.  No more  "I was absent so I couldn't get a copy" or "I lost the worksheet Señora W.  Do you have another copy?"