The
more I reflect, the more I see that blogging has a ridiculous number of
uses. I think that blogging’s greatest
value lies in the ability to spread your opinions and ideas around in a manner
that’s both public (anyone you want can see it) and private (whether you hide the
blog like you might have hidden a diary or you remain anonymous). The second
greatest is the potential to simplify the information you come across in a way
that a lay person could understand and disperse it to a wide community.
In
the classroom, I think that this has amazing potential. First, you can give students links to
resources and information (as well as write explanations you may not have had
time to get to in class for those that need the extra help) to improve the
experience of learning. Second, it’s a great way to give additional thoughts on
a subject to help get students looking at alternative ways of thinking about a
problem by posting opinions or summarizing debates on a topic. Third, by
creating a space of your own, you can let students get to know you in a way
that you wouldn’t have time for in class.
This should help them feel like you’re more approachable if they have
problems, or just to help establish a sense of community by letting the
students know the person leading them on their own journeys for knowledge. Finally, by having students make their own
blogs, you can take the above ideas and put them into the hands of all. In doing so, you create a sense of community
and instill some self-esteem by challenging them to create and share and learn
together.
These
are just a few thoughts, and I’m sure more will come to me as I explore more of
this crazy blogging world and as I continue to grow as a teacher and a person.
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