Using a Blog in a Classroom

When it comes to using technology in classrooms the possibilities are endless. Technology has made images, audio clips, documentaries, primary & secondary sources, and research methods much more accessible for the modern classroom. The only question is how can you  incorporate all these resources into a classroom? Today I will examine the ways teachers can use a blog in the classroom.

There are so many different was teachers can use blogs. A blog can be used to document student's thoughts and questions after a lesson. Student's can share their thoughts, browse through peers, and offer feedback. It's a great way to keep interesting discussions going after the class has ended.

Students can also use blogs to document new terms and vocabulary that they learned throughout various lessons. Using a blog to create a vocab journal of content words will expand the student's literacy skills, and make it readily available to their instructor and peers.

A blog can also be used as a vehicle of extra credit. Encourage students to document their thoughts and day to day life. A simple but enjoyable activity  that will improve their writing skills, and you can offer extra credit points to students who write every week.

Students can also find and follow blogs that relate to Social Studies!  By regularly reading blogs that discuss historical events, current events, geological discoveries, or just a humorous take on the subject can encourage life long learning!

I believe blogs to be much more informal than other assignments traditionally associated with Social Studies. As a student it's less intimidating to submit thoughts, and critical ideas to this type of forum. It also leaves room for the growth of ideas, and the development of writing skills.

Testing.... One. Two. Three

A quick test just to make sure I have this blogging thing down. Not quite sure what the outcome of this adventure will be, but we shall see what the future holds! I'm not one to constantly update social media, I can barely keep up with my sister's snap chats :)!!! Perhaps it will be a stress reliever to document my attempts at this Fall Semester. Anyone else just at a loss with Juncture II , Graduation Applications, Student Teacher Packets, Portfolio Review, Praxis II, and your actual classes? Yeah it's overwhelming, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel..... No wait, that's just lots of lesson plans ahead! Luckily, I actually enjoy this. How about you?