The number of Web 2.0 tools available is unknown because it continues to grow each day. Some programs that I have used in the past are Web 2.0 tools, and I was not aware of it. Likewise, I was not aware of the opportunities that lied within Web 2.0. Through Web 2.0, we find tools that are not only helpful to our everyday lives, but we also find tools that can enhance education through numerous strategies. When thinking of 21st Century Teaching and Learning, I think of all the different types of learners and the uncountable ways to approach teaching them. Through all the different characteristics of 21st Century Teaching and Learning, one key element is collaboration. Partnered with collaboration is interaction. Fortunately, the Web 2.0 tools focus on that technique. Below, I have listed a few Web 2.0 tools that can really enhance education and concentrate on 21st Century Teaching and Learning.
http://www.zamzar.com/
EasyBib: EasyBib is a tool that allows students to practice and check their citations. As the world continues to grow, more sources and references and sources become available. Through this availability, students will have to create bibliographies to demonstrate and support anti-plagiarism. EasyBib is interactive, which allows it to support 21st Century Teaching and Learning because it is having the students assess their work and receive help when needed.
Skype: Skype is a tool that screams collaboration and communication. Therefore, utilizing Skype for conversations incorporates the Internet to enhance and strengthen the skills to become a stronger communicator. By opening up to tools such as Skype, teachers and students are supporting communication and exhibiting its importance.
Zamzar: While the 21st Century focuses on different styles of learners, it is important to address the fact that students learn in numerous ways, yet we cannot incorporate each style into our lessons everyday. However, if we try to adhere to new learners, particularly auditory and visual learners, we may not always have easy access to the Internet. Therefore, with good planning, teachers can utilize Zamzar to convert the files to whatever is needed to deliver a memorable lesson.
Jing: Jing is a Web 2.0 tool that is similar to the software, SnagIt. This tool allows teachers and students to be specific with the screenshots they are taking. Therefore, a teacher can utilize Jing to enhance his/her tutorial. This could affect the teaching so that all students have the necessary needs in front of them. Therefore, Jing can help the student work at his/her own pace and adhere to collaboration in different ways.
All in all, there are so many different types of Web 2.0 tools; it is just a matter of which ones support and enhance education. In reality, many of them can find ways to fit the curriculum. It is important to address the needs of today’s learners. Therefore, combining the forces of Web 2.0 and 21st Century Teaching and Learning will enhance curriculums all around the Internet.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
My Videocast
Before Thanksgiving break, I created numerous clips on my digital camera that revolved my classroom. Through Audacity, I created various audio files to go with the first clip. Afterwards, I tried to put them together in Windows MovieMaker. However, I then realized that my movie files were in QuickTime. From there, I downloaded a free movie converted, yet that still did not work. Therefore, I am just posting my first clip of my classroom tour. Also, since I cannot go through and edit my video through MovieMaker, I am just linking my audio to this post; please click on the above title to listen.
Also, here is the link for my video on TeacherTube!
My Classroom on TeacherTube
Also, here is the link for my video on TeacherTube!
My Classroom on TeacherTube
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Audio Files in the Curriculum
While looking at different articles, I stumbled upon the following site, which may have been more useful fo rlast week's assignment: http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/technology/bratina.htm. The article is titled "Listen Up!: Using Audio Files in the Curriculum." This artcle discussed different reasons for using audio files and the benefits that go along with them. For this article, the authors focused on three reasons to utilize audio files: greeting messages, administrative tips, and explanations of content. I have heard of utilizing audio files for greetings; however, I never consider the use of them for an online class. A professor could utilize audio tools and programs, such as Audacity, to allow students to put a voice with screen names. The article focused on several useful reasons that connected to online classes, even down to keeping the students updated. After being in this program, I have a lot of experience with online classes, and I am thankful for that because it presents different opportunities to the students. However, I never took into consideration the resources that could enhance online classes.
Continuing with the article, it rejogged my memory in the fact that there are numerous types of learners. I am not an auditory or visual learner; I do not need the guides as much. However, I realized that audio files can be very useful for auditory learners. This feature could be for distance learning, or it could even be for the regular classroom and being more of an aide for the students. Therefore, audio files enhance the curriculum in numerous ways for the students.
Overall, the article opened my eyes to things that I take for advantage at times. Also, I enjoyed the article because creating and utilizing audio files can be integrating in my classroom.
Continuing with the article, it rejogged my memory in the fact that there are numerous types of learners. I am not an auditory or visual learner; I do not need the guides as much. However, I realized that audio files can be very useful for auditory learners. This feature could be for distance learning, or it could even be for the regular classroom and being more of an aide for the students. Therefore, audio files enhance the curriculum in numerous ways for the students.
Overall, the article opened my eyes to things that I take for advantage at times. Also, I enjoyed the article because creating and utilizing audio files can be integrating in my classroom.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
CW Source -- Podcast
http://blogs.trb.com/network/cwsource/podcasts/
As mentioned earlier in the week, I chose to follow the CW Source podcast, which revolves around three television shows on the CW TV station. I did listen to other, educational podcasts; hwoever, this was interesting for me to follow, and I could see other purposes of podcasts. Out of all of the shows on the CW, the podcast focuses on Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, and Supernatural. I thought this podcast was very fitting beause GG and OTH are two of my favorite shows.
The podcast is hosted by three girls. At the beginning of the week, I searched through some of their old podcasts because I was not caught up on the newest episodes of the shows. By today, I was able to listen to the most updated podcasts because I caught up with the shows during the wintry weather. At first, the podcast reminded me of The Hills: The Aftershow on MTV, which they either do on the TV station or through the website.
All in all, I enjoyed following the podcast for various reasons. It reminded me of a book talk because they would pose different questions and they analyzed one particular episode of one of the shows. Even though I'm in English teacher, I prefer to catch my favorite shows than read a book, so the podcast of the show was more my cup of tea. However, it made me think of how this could work with a book talk as well. The more I type, the more I think I could set something up like this in my classroom. Another attribute found within this podcast is that the girls voiced and supported their opinions, which allowed the listeners to see another viewpoint -- something I like to do in my classroom with my students all of the time. Another thing that drew me into this podcast was that I could listen to the girls, and it reminded me of how my friends and I would talk about some of the shows, voicing our opinions with each other. Sincie we no longer stay up-to-date, we cannot do that as much. Therefore, the podcast could be something to settle that void. Finally, besides giving all an evaluation and analysis of the show, the girls also discussed news and word on styles that connected to the show. To sum it up, I would continue to listen this podcast as it was a break from my hectic schedule.
As mentioned earlier in the week, I chose to follow the CW Source podcast, which revolves around three television shows on the CW TV station. I did listen to other, educational podcasts; hwoever, this was interesting for me to follow, and I could see other purposes of podcasts. Out of all of the shows on the CW, the podcast focuses on Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, and Supernatural. I thought this podcast was very fitting beause GG and OTH are two of my favorite shows.
The podcast is hosted by three girls. At the beginning of the week, I searched through some of their old podcasts because I was not caught up on the newest episodes of the shows. By today, I was able to listen to the most updated podcasts because I caught up with the shows during the wintry weather. At first, the podcast reminded me of The Hills: The Aftershow on MTV, which they either do on the TV station or through the website.
All in all, I enjoyed following the podcast for various reasons. It reminded me of a book talk because they would pose different questions and they analyzed one particular episode of one of the shows. Even though I'm in English teacher, I prefer to catch my favorite shows than read a book, so the podcast of the show was more my cup of tea. However, it made me think of how this could work with a book talk as well. The more I type, the more I think I could set something up like this in my classroom. Another attribute found within this podcast is that the girls voiced and supported their opinions, which allowed the listeners to see another viewpoint -- something I like to do in my classroom with my students all of the time. Another thing that drew me into this podcast was that I could listen to the girls, and it reminded me of how my friends and I would talk about some of the shows, voicing our opinions with each other. Sincie we no longer stay up-to-date, we cannot do that as much. Therefore, the podcast could be something to settle that void. Finally, besides giving all an evaluation and analysis of the show, the girls also discussed news and word on styles that connected to the show. To sum it up, I would continue to listen this podcast as it was a break from my hectic schedule.
Morning Announcement -- Podcast
For my podcast, I chose to create a morning announcement. I found that intriguing because I never thought about using a podcast for that reason. After completing this podcast, I feel that this could be a very useful purpose for a podcast. Also, that allows using technology even beyond the classroom. To retrieve my podcast, click on the title of this post.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Why to use podcasts in the classroom?
While completing our assignment for this week, I became intrigued with podcasts and their use in the classroom. While in this program at Waynesburg, one of my favorite tools to use was Audacity, which is an open source software used to record audio. I have done a little bit with Audacity, including making a photo story. While looking for other uses of Audacity and podcasts, I came across the following website: http://www.wtvi.com/TEKS/05_06_articles/classroom-audio-podcasting.html. This website was intriguing for the content included. It described podcasts, which was just another way to break it down. However, what I enjoyed most about it was the list of benefits of using podcasts in the classroom.
The lists of benefits consisted of ten reasons why to incorporate podcasts in the classroom. The first reason caught my eye and had me continue. The first benefit was that it is cheap. This is an attention-getter for me because I lack the funds and the resources in my school. Therefore, I sometimes become too ambitious and need to search for another, free resource. So, that reason is enough to keep looking for me. Another benefit that I keyed in on was the fact that podcasting can "invite a global audience." With all the endless possibilities we have nowadays, teachers need to incorporate more than just the little area where the kids feel comfortable. Therefore, I think having a global audience invites my opportunities to a class. Just like having a global audience, podcasting invites many chances to education. Podcasting can make lessons interesting as well as allow the students to be creative, which is valued in today's education.
Overall, this website was very resourceful in how and why I should include podcasting in my classroom. I plan on searching through the site to see if it addresses other Internet and technology-related tools. I also look forward to utilizing podcasting, especially in an English class. It will be utilized for many reasons, including as a tool to practice proper speaking skills.
The lists of benefits consisted of ten reasons why to incorporate podcasts in the classroom. The first reason caught my eye and had me continue. The first benefit was that it is cheap. This is an attention-getter for me because I lack the funds and the resources in my school. Therefore, I sometimes become too ambitious and need to search for another, free resource. So, that reason is enough to keep looking for me. Another benefit that I keyed in on was the fact that podcasting can "invite a global audience." With all the endless possibilities we have nowadays, teachers need to incorporate more than just the little area where the kids feel comfortable. Therefore, I think having a global audience invites my opportunities to a class. Just like having a global audience, podcasting invites many chances to education. Podcasting can make lessons interesting as well as allow the students to be creative, which is valued in today's education.
Overall, this website was very resourceful in how and why I should include podcasting in my classroom. I plan on searching through the site to see if it addresses other Internet and technology-related tools. I also look forward to utilizing podcasting, especially in an English class. It will be utilized for many reasons, including as a tool to practice proper speaking skills.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Podcast ... Post 1
After class, I looked up different podcasts and finally settled on one: http://blogs.trb.com/network/cwsource/podcasts/.
At first, I was trying to locate an eduational podcasts. However, I decided to follow and subscribe this podcast. It is easy for me utilize technology, such as podcasts, for educational purposes. However, I never take the time to assist my life and interests with technology. Therefore, I am going to follow a podcast regarding CW, the TV station. Throughout the week, I am excited to look at the different categories found on iTunes regarding the podcasts available.
At first, I was trying to locate an eduational podcasts. However, I decided to follow and subscribe this podcast. It is easy for me utilize technology, such as podcasts, for educational purposes. However, I never take the time to assist my life and interests with technology. Therefore, I am going to follow a podcast regarding CW, the TV station. Throughout the week, I am excited to look at the different categories found on iTunes regarding the podcasts available.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Steph's Photos at Flickr
FLICKR: http://www.flickr.com/photos/senglert11/
The above link is my Flickr account with my photos. I uploaded different photos that I would not really use in an educational setting. However, all of my school and classroom pictures are on my PC, which is not set up right now.
I enjoyed using Flickr. I have never used Flickr before, but I have used Webshots. Flickr is very user friendly. The other aspect I like about Flickr is that it is easy to set up and share photos. Therefore, I can see myself using this in a classroom. One particular use is that I know my students have difficulty getting their own photos, plus there is the copyright issue that the students may not completely understand. Therefore, by setting up an account, it will be easier for my students to access pictures to utilize for different projects in the classroom. I look forward to playing around with different settings as well as utilizing Flickr in the future.
The above link is my Flickr account with my photos. I uploaded different photos that I would not really use in an educational setting. However, all of my school and classroom pictures are on my PC, which is not set up right now.
I enjoyed using Flickr. I have never used Flickr before, but I have used Webshots. Flickr is very user friendly. The other aspect I like about Flickr is that it is easy to set up and share photos. Therefore, I can see myself using this in a classroom. One particular use is that I know my students have difficulty getting their own photos, plus there is the copyright issue that the students may not completely understand. Therefore, by setting up an account, it will be easier for my students to access pictures to utilize for different projects in the classroom. I look forward to playing around with different settings as well as utilizing Flickr in the future.
.:. Delicious -- Social Bookmarking
DELICIOUS: http://delicious.com/SEnglert11
While using Delicious for social bookmarking, I thought of all the different opportunities of when I could use it. For the link I have provided, I included different links that I would find useful for my fellow English teachers and even useful for my students. The majority of the sites revolve around vocabulary. Although I enjoy the majority of my sites, I new one I found through delicious was www.urbandictionary.com. In fact, it is a useful site regarding any kind of slang. I enjoyed being able to tag the different sites. While completing this assignment, I realized how easy it would be to set this up my students could use. Besides using tags like I did, such as vocabulary and grammar, I can also use the tags to make them for specific users, such as for the different classes I teach throughout the day. Along with using Delicious in my classroom, I could utilize for other instances where I may need to have links together for others. Tonight, before I sat down to compose my blog entries, I thought how useful Delicious would be in regards to my wedding. All in all, I enjoyed social bookmarking, and I can see myself utilizing social bookmarking in the near future.
While using Delicious for social bookmarking, I thought of all the different opportunities of when I could use it. For the link I have provided, I included different links that I would find useful for my fellow English teachers and even useful for my students. The majority of the sites revolve around vocabulary. Although I enjoy the majority of my sites, I new one I found through delicious was www.urbandictionary.com. In fact, it is a useful site regarding any kind of slang. I enjoyed being able to tag the different sites. While completing this assignment, I realized how easy it would be to set this up my students could use. Besides using tags like I did, such as vocabulary and grammar, I can also use the tags to make them for specific users, such as for the different classes I teach throughout the day. Along with using Delicious in my classroom, I could utilize for other instances where I may need to have links together for others. Tonight, before I sat down to compose my blog entries, I thought how useful Delicious would be in regards to my wedding. All in all, I enjoyed social bookmarking, and I can see myself utilizing social bookmarking in the near future.
Bring in the Extra-curriculars!
While searching through different technology integration articles, I stumbled upon one interesting article (accompanied by a video): Why Integrate Technology into the Curriculum (http://www.edutopia.org/tech-integration). What grabbed my attention about this article is that did not specifically address the curriculum. Instead, it also reached out to discuss sports. This article focuses on Harrison Central High School in Mississippi. Throughout the article and the two accompanying videos, I see pro gates, clickers and digital cameras, which I anticipated. However, a cheerleading squad took over the camera time to give more information about technology.
At Harrison Central H.S., they utilize technology to assist with different stats regarding the cheerleading squad and their routine. However, the use of these stats do not stop at practice. Instead, they move back into the classroom as stats are given to an algebra class. From there, the algebra students graph different pieces of information. Therefore, the technology helps the cheerleading squad, but it also links it up with the curriculum. Another specific way that they utilize technology to connect sports and the classroom is with softball. A pitcher was analyzing a video and using other technology to interpret her pitching technique. From there, she was able to include the information in her physics class, focusing on specific aspects, such as velocity.
Overall, I was a bit amazed at what this school was doing with technology. Beyond everything else in the article and videos, I am fascinated with the connection made between the sports and the curriculum. It is obvious that high school students are very concerned with their extra-curricular activities. Therefore, by making this connection, I believe we are showing the students that we are just as concerned with these activities.
At Harrison Central H.S., they utilize technology to assist with different stats regarding the cheerleading squad and their routine. However, the use of these stats do not stop at practice. Instead, they move back into the classroom as stats are given to an algebra class. From there, the algebra students graph different pieces of information. Therefore, the technology helps the cheerleading squad, but it also links it up with the curriculum. Another specific way that they utilize technology to connect sports and the classroom is with softball. A pitcher was analyzing a video and using other technology to interpret her pitching technique. From there, she was able to include the information in her physics class, focusing on specific aspects, such as velocity.
Overall, I was a bit amazed at what this school was doing with technology. Beyond everything else in the article and videos, I am fascinated with the connection made between the sports and the curriculum. It is obvious that high school students are very concerned with their extra-curricular activities. Therefore, by making this connection, I believe we are showing the students that we are just as concerned with these activities.
Teach 42
So, at first, I did not realize that we were still supposed to locate an article or blog each week and write about it. However, last week I did post the following link to my blog because I thought it was a good site to vist. The following site is a blog: http://www.teach42.com/. Overall, I enjoyed looking at this blog. There are many different opportunities presented through the blog; however, I focused mainly on the updated entries. The updated entries are daily entries about 30 Ways to Become a Better Blogger. Each day gives advice to get the most out of your blog. On the first day, the topic is to focus on the "About" page. Therefore, the days start out simple and allows each user to establish one's self before diving into the posts. One useful tip lies within days 12 and 13. It teaches the user how ti declutter the sidebar. It's easy to clutter things in today's society, and that holds true even to a blog. In fact, after this post, I'm going to view my blog and keep it up-to-date. Yes, I will leave links on for a while, but I will make sure other links or widgets are not taking up any extra room. As I could go and tell you about everyday the author has touched upon, I'm not going to because I could not easily sum up all the advice he has given.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Tracking through RSS
As I first started up my feeder through Bloglines, I was a bit overwhelmed. I think that feeling came from me just trying to sit down and get it all started instead of trying to truly understand how this feeder could benefit me. However, as time passed, I understood why people use an RSS aggregator. Instead of typing and searching through many different sites and blogs, everything is in one spot. I have also decided that this does not have to benefit my educational experiences, but it can also benefit my interests and social needs as well. Below, I'm going to address some of my specific likes and dislikes with the different feeds that I chose as my top five.
CW TV Episode Feeds: Even though this was one of my last adds, I found it while I was actually on the website. While there, I learned that I can set it up on Bloglines. Therefore, I added it. I enjoyed this because it gave me information on my favorite TV shows. There is also a blog on the site, which I can access by going outside of Bloglines. However, I wish the blog for this site would be available on Bloglines.
Digital Passports: This is a useful feeder regarding education and technology. First, I found it on the following blog: www.teach42.com. Unfortunately, I could not subscribe easily to this blog, so I clicked on Digital Passports. This feed became useful becuase it gave different articles regarding the use of technology in education.
ESPN: As ESPN is one of my favorite websites to visit as much as possible, I appreciated the feed that kept me updated with the sports news. The only way it could've been better is if it also linked to the "Page 2" section of ESPN, which consists of my favorite articles.
iTunes: iTunes also consisted of useful feed because it keeps a list of updated and popular songs. I thought that it would be useful for teachers who utilize popular music in any kind of lessons.
The Tech Savvy Educator: This blog was very useful especially because I can go back and see other articles from previous dates. These feeds were also useful to learn new ideas for integrating technology.
All in all, it took a little while to get use to this application. However, once that happens, it is easy to see the organization and convenience that comes with utilizing an RSS aggregator. Finally, once I have more time and pay attention to all of the different feeds, it will be extremely useful as it will give me new ideas and keep me up-to-date.
CW TV Episode Feeds: Even though this was one of my last adds, I found it while I was actually on the website. While there, I learned that I can set it up on Bloglines. Therefore, I added it. I enjoyed this because it gave me information on my favorite TV shows. There is also a blog on the site, which I can access by going outside of Bloglines. However, I wish the blog for this site would be available on Bloglines.
Digital Passports: This is a useful feeder regarding education and technology. First, I found it on the following blog: www.teach42.com. Unfortunately, I could not subscribe easily to this blog, so I clicked on Digital Passports. This feed became useful becuase it gave different articles regarding the use of technology in education.
ESPN: As ESPN is one of my favorite websites to visit as much as possible, I appreciated the feed that kept me updated with the sports news. The only way it could've been better is if it also linked to the "Page 2" section of ESPN, which consists of my favorite articles.
iTunes: iTunes also consisted of useful feed because it keeps a list of updated and popular songs. I thought that it would be useful for teachers who utilize popular music in any kind of lessons.
The Tech Savvy Educator: This blog was very useful especially because I can go back and see other articles from previous dates. These feeds were also useful to learn new ideas for integrating technology.
All in all, it took a little while to get use to this application. However, once that happens, it is easy to see the organization and convenience that comes with utilizing an RSS aggregator. Finally, once I have more time and pay attention to all of the different feeds, it will be extremely useful as it will give me new ideas and keep me up-to-date.
Contribution to Wiki
At first, I was having diffuclty finding a wiki to make a contribution. However, once I found a few educational wikis, I could not make a decision where I wanted to add information that I have obtained. After reading many useful wikis, my favorite was http://wiki.classroom20.com. There are many different topics to learn about or to contribute to within the wiki. To continue with the flow of this class, I updated the "Blogging" category of the wiki.
http://wiki.classroom20.com/Blogging
Here, I took what I learned in just a week of this class. One heading read "What blogging does for students," and there were many key ideas regarding blogging. However, I thought I could add two pieces:
- Encourage student participation from all grade levels
- Give repetitive and conventional assignments a "new look"
Since I'm a secondary (English) teacher, I find many appropriate ways to integrate blogs compared to my classmates. However, after reading through class, I learned all levels can introduce and utilize blogging. Also, from our first assignment, I learned how blogging can spice up assignments, such as book reports. Therefore, I included those little tidbits of information.
http://wiki.classroom20.com/Blogging
Here, I took what I learned in just a week of this class. One heading read "What blogging does for students," and there were many key ideas regarding blogging. However, I thought I could add two pieces:
- Encourage student participation from all grade levels
- Give repetitive and conventional assignments a "new look"
Since I'm a secondary (English) teacher, I find many appropriate ways to integrate blogs compared to my classmates. However, after reading through class, I learned all levels can introduce and utilize blogging. Also, from our first assignment, I learned how blogging can spice up assignments, such as book reports. Therefore, I included those little tidbits of information.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Book Blogging
As my plate overflows professionally and socially, I instantly and constantly think of three priorities in my academic life right now: this class, my project/independent study, and my job teaching a new curriculum. The curriculum I am working with is dry and contains no technology. As my students cry to me about the boring strategies we must utilize, I went on the web looking for an aide to utilize to make me “me” and not a robot. While searching TeacherTube, I came across a video regarding book blogging. I have never heard of the term, so I watched the video. After watching the video, I was intrigued to share it through this post. To coincide with the video, I looked for an article. Even though the article and video do not match up completely, I combined to think of useful ways to utilize blogs in a classroom (particularly Language Arts).
Site for the video: http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=e9aaf1ec9563bbac4058
Site for the article: http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/teacher_feature/teacher_feature148.shtml
The video addresses an activity, book blogging. On the video, the teacher says it can be in place of book logs, but I think there are many different ways in could be utilized in the content area. The video explains that each student would sign onto the school’s Blackboard and create a blog regarding a book that they read. Each blog must contain a picture, a background on the book (which is directed towards the student’s explanation of why and when it was chosen), a synopsis on the book, and a verdict (example: five out of five stars). It seems as the teacher utilizes this to ensure that student’s are reading outside of class. Unfortunately, I do not know how productive this activity may be for outside of my classroom. Truth is, the students could do the reading outside of the classroom. However, the book blogging would have to be done in my classroom because a lot of my students do not have the opportunity to access the Internet outside of school. On top of using book blogging for students to demonstrate outside reading, book blogging can be utilized to get the students interested in other pieces or introduce texts. They can be taken further and set up by the teacher to allow the students to participate in background knowledge activities.
Another way I felt book blogging would be effective is to utilize for online book clubs. In Cara Bafile’s article “Starring Jamie Boston,” Bafile discusses book clubs on a few different levels. From the article, I realized that Boston’s issue as a librarian was she wanted to have more people interact with the students and their book club, such as parents and staff. However, the evening meetings were not working. Therefore, book blogging can take book clubs to the next step by incorporating cyber space. Through book blogging, the discussion can be on-going and give many more people an opportunity to participate. The only issue that needed to be conquered was privacy issues. Once that is underway, book blogging can open the doors and invite more learners into the mysterious world of reading.
Site for the video: http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=e9aaf1ec9563bbac4058
Site for the article: http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/teacher_feature/teacher_feature148.shtml
The video addresses an activity, book blogging. On the video, the teacher says it can be in place of book logs, but I think there are many different ways in could be utilized in the content area. The video explains that each student would sign onto the school’s Blackboard and create a blog regarding a book that they read. Each blog must contain a picture, a background on the book (which is directed towards the student’s explanation of why and when it was chosen), a synopsis on the book, and a verdict (example: five out of five stars). It seems as the teacher utilizes this to ensure that student’s are reading outside of class. Unfortunately, I do not know how productive this activity may be for outside of my classroom. Truth is, the students could do the reading outside of the classroom. However, the book blogging would have to be done in my classroom because a lot of my students do not have the opportunity to access the Internet outside of school. On top of using book blogging for students to demonstrate outside reading, book blogging can be utilized to get the students interested in other pieces or introduce texts. They can be taken further and set up by the teacher to allow the students to participate in background knowledge activities.
Another way I felt book blogging would be effective is to utilize for online book clubs. In Cara Bafile’s article “Starring Jamie Boston,” Bafile discusses book clubs on a few different levels. From the article, I realized that Boston’s issue as a librarian was she wanted to have more people interact with the students and their book club, such as parents and staff. However, the evening meetings were not working. Therefore, book blogging can take book clubs to the next step by incorporating cyber space. Through book blogging, the discussion can be on-going and give many more people an opportunity to participate. The only issue that needed to be conquered was privacy issues. Once that is underway, book blogging can open the doors and invite more learners into the mysterious world of reading.
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