I could see myself using a blog with my third graders for homework assignments. Students would complete their spelling homework and possibly document their AR time using a blog. This would give me written record of their reading. I could also use the blog to communicate with parents about classroom assignments and upcoming tests. I could also post study guides for students and links to web pages that would give them practice over content done during the day. Students could write book reviews and discuss our reading series story for the week. They could "research" topics that go along with our story and post their findings for their classmates to look at, a sort of "show and tell". A state standard for elementary students is learning to type with both hands, by using a blog students would be getting practice typing and using the computer.
I could also see blogs becoming more useful between teachers and administration. Evaluation forms and reflections could easily be typed up and sent to the principal. I would also be beneficial for the new teachers to get a look at some "seasoned" teachers work.
It would be very easy for students to begin their own blog, which would be conducted during school hours, letting parents know what they did throughout their day. They could type up the homework assignment for the blog and list the spelling words for the week. The only draw back I see is the students who do not have computers at home to "participate" fully in the experience. Yes, they would get a lot out of the school end of the blog, but they would still miss out on the fun stuff. There just isn't enough time in a school day to let everyone use a computer for such an activity.
As a parent of a third grader, I think it would be neat for my daughter to integrate technology into her academic studies. She would love to write a book review (she is an avid reader) and would love, love, love a show and tell using a blog! What neat ideas!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I cannot tell you how many times I've wanted her to have some extra content practice, but I do not have the resources (I teach high school students). Using a blog to post study guides and weblinks for additional help would be awesome for me as a parent and for her as a student!
Thanks for sharing your ideas!
I really like the idea of using a blog for homework assignments. Show and tell is always a big hit, what a great idea to use a blog for it! I like that the students would get to share without having to bring anything tangible to school.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize that typing with two hands was a 3rd grade standard; I'm glad to hear it is!