Blogging as a Learning Tool

I teach high school sociology and world history. Last year I experimented with a classroom blog, and I would like to try it again. I have noticed that when I lead the class in an oral discussion, I get limited participation. Most of my students to do not participate even though I know each one has a valuable perspective on a given topic.

I think blogs provide a forum for every student to have their voice heard. Often in social studies classrooms when students write, the only person that reads their work is the teacher. They are writing for an audience of one. The quality of student work improves when they know that their peers and potentially anyone in the world could read their thoughts. Blogs are done anonymously so it gives students the freedom to say what they think without the fear of embarrassment or ridicule.

I wonder how much class time should be dedicated to blogging. Should blogging be something students do at home, in class, or a little bit of both? Because internet access is essential to blogging, it also means that while students are blogging, they also have access to the treasure trove of resources that is the www. This encourages students to research.

I believe that blogging also holds teachers accountable to devise and deliver sound lesson plans. If all stakeholders involved in the education process can view and participate in the virtual classroom, it means teachers are constantly being evaluated, perhaps more than ever. This is a good thing because, it forces teachers to be prepared, but the increased need to update the blog and or classroom website can lead to stress and fatigue in the already busy lives of teachers. Sadly, many classroom and school websites are not updated frequently enough.

Teachers who use blogging in the classroom need to ready to manage this monster that they are creating. Blogs are exciting and effective learning tools, but teachers need to let the blogs work for them, and not work for the blogs. Blogs, like other Web 2.0 tools, are so dynamic that they can take on a life of their own; the challenge is to manage the monster’s life so that it is positive, productive, and focused on learning.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog. The inspiration for the name of the blog comes from a quote by John Wooden, "Make each day your masterpiece." I will use this blog as a forum to reflect on the things that I am learning in order to help others (and myself) reach their fullest potential. I am attempting to get a masters degree in education; this blog will serve as a valuable tool in that process. I hope to explore all of the potential of this blog in helping me enjoy the journey of becoming a "master" teacher and learner.

Paul W. McVey