K12 learning 2.0:  Tools for 21st Century Teaching & Learning

THING “Four” (Session Two)

Task:  Part 1 – Blog response to exploratory reading . . .

Of the sample blog posts, I noticed that there were some differences in the nature of the posts.  In the post regarding “Questions for One of Our Favorite Authors: Grace Lin,” the 3rd grade students asked questions to an author and the author responded by leaving a comment.  They were given a personal response to personal questions.  Blogs can be used to seek specific information.

In the “Spies Like Us,” blog, it was noted that all of the “pro bloggers” tell you to post a lot.  Is it the goal to create “ton” of blogs or post ones that retain quality and give the reader reason to participate and interact?  This is an example of introducing research into an informative narrative about the use of technology at school and in education.  Blogs can be display much research and be very informitive.

In the “Rationale for Educational Blogging,” blog, the rationale behind why we do “blogging” and teaching students to critically engage media is given to demonstrate reasons why blogging should be acceptable in teaching students.  Blogs can be used to give us a rationale for what we do.

In the “The Ripe Environment,” blog, strong ideas are presented regarding using technology for technology’s sake and that we should look beyond the tools and be more collaborative in our teaching and our learning.  Blogs can be an avenue to offer a strong opinion that could give rise to widespread change.

In the “Teaching Brevity,” blog, the reader is asked to give thoughts regarding the concept of brevity.  Blogs can be used to discuss concepts in concise ways.

In “An Open Letter About Cyberbullying,” blogging is used as a way to defend one’s actions and to respond to a negative article.  Blogs can be platforms to defend and clarify one’s thoughts and actions against other bloggers that may portray you in a negative light.

In the “How To Prevent Another Leonardo Da Vinci,” blog, demonstrates a writing style of citing a number of points to support the concept being presented.  In this article, characteristics of highly creative individuals are discussed which includes how our current methods of instruction is killing creativity in learners.  Blogs of this nature reaches out to the reader showing them the positive and negative aspects of the post topic.

Mark’s edtechblog is an example of how a blog can be used to show the reader life in the classroom.  His use of photos in the blog gives the reader a feeling of being a part of the classroom and connected.  Blogs can give you a glimpse into the life and activities of others.