One classroom blog example I found was for Mrs. Poulin's Kindergarten Class. She lists general classroom information such as school holidays and announcements, but she also uses the space for posting video and pictures of current projects and events. One feature is their 'Star of the Week', where one student is highlighted and video is posted of other students telling what they like about the chosen individual. I am sure those chosen LOVE to see themselves on the internet and what great incentive for good behavior! There is recess and playtime footage posted for parents to see, as well as video of the current projects taking place. Another feature I like, is she adds links to books that are currently being read in class. These links allow parents to see and read the books online, and gives them the option to purchase them from a third party website. What a great way to stay involved with what your kids are learning!
Another classroom blog I liked is Ms. Lussier's 3rd Grade Classroom Blog. In addition to classroom announcements and general information, students can find their weekly homework assignments
and upcoming test dates. She also selects students to write articles to be published on the blog about various subjects and events happening. I really like the concept of getting students involved in the content, and using the process as a teaching experience. The site includes a wish list of needed classroom items and really provides a great outlet to relay information to parents. With so many working parents and students going straight from school to daycare, class blogs such as this one help bridge the gap to parents and supply them with the information they need to stay involved.
Thanks for the kind words Helen. I appreciate the time you took to review my bog. It has taken me over a year to get it to where it is now. I think it would be best to share the vehicles I have learned about and found the most useful.
ReplyDelete1. The Edublog forum has many answers to questions that arise. There will be a help site for whatever blog type you use.
2. Just try it! is critically important. Otherwise, you don't learn by you mistakes., mistakes that will show up later in another app and you will say "Let me try this."
3.Sign up for an educator account in Flickr and VoiceThread. There are many different things you can do with these tools.
4.Join Twitter and click on the links of the person you are following. You will follow a trail of learning that goes on w/o end. Ask questions
5.Always keep your readers in mind. Who is your audience? What will make their experience better?
6. Collaborate with others. I recommend Skype and have used it in class. This Friday we will have a Valentine party and I hope to live broadcast via Ustream so the parents can watch and post chat type comments to us during the "Show."
~ I have recently asked the question of Sue Waters from Edublogs about how to add links to comments w/o typing them out the long way. Point and click here would have been nice but I'm always learning and this will be just one more lesson for me.
That's a good start. Again, thanks for checking out the blog.
Gail Poulin