Day 24 Comment on a blog written in a foreign language
I think I am going to defer this to later. I know it seems an easy way out but promise I will come back to it.
Day 26 Exploring other ways to comment
Day 27 What do you communicate about your personal brand through comments
I have branded myself by using not my real name but instead using hurricanemaine consistently. I think through consistent commenting we can also brand ourselves however the same conversations over and over again without producing evidence, new discussions and ideas can bring a negative image.
Day 28 What's your blog commenting strategy
I would say I have focused on my brand (see above) and gaining the attention of the blogger. Additionally, by commenting I have provided a link to my blog for any reader who may be interested.
I do not focus on being the first person to post about something. I am trying not to post the same things to the same types of posts either. I focus on spreading my name around and not always on the same blogs. I really have never thought about strategy. I would like to be recognized more but why? I do want to work on the commenting strategy more in order to have some great blog conversations from really great people.
Day 29 Write a commenting guide for students
I am actually going to have my students brainstorm this next year. I began this year with a brainstorming session that my students used to create commenting guidelines for ning discussions. I may use a good and poor post/comment example to see if they can pick out some of the points that need to be made. These will either be written using google docs, or throug use of the smartboard.
Day 30 How can you use what you have learned about commenting to change your teaching
I know that commenting is difficult for most people especially students. Without direction, students will either give superficial responses or try to give feedback like a teacher (grammar, etc.) Students need to be taught to ask questions to elicit deeper responses. They also need to let go of the one person who can give answers and leverage the power of the network. I think their blogging like their learning needs to be more open ended and individualized as well as self-directed. Now hoe to get there I am working on. I think blogging like learning needs to be seamless and effortless.
Day 31 My top 5 lessons
I think creating commenting rules and a blog policy, learning to ask questions in my comments, feeling free to provide comments through other means, the concept of branding, and creating a post about the comments you have received were important lessons.
If I would have completed the challenge as it was laid out, I believe my gains would have ven been more. However, I let it slide and as a result learned but not as I could have. The lessons though will stick and I will be able to revisit them and continue to improve upon them. Even the 5 in 5 was a great lesson as I did my posting in about 24 minutes (I know my math - but that was the fastest I could go). I still commented more that evening as a result.
I want to thank all those who made the comment challenge happen and all those great bloggers who posted their learning. i have some commenting to catch up on...
Tags: comment08
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Using Gcast
Creating a PLN at PAHS
We all know the value of a PLN - we all have our own individual one now. We also have it informally at school when you run down the hall and ask a quick question.
However, at my school, I think people are starting to recognize that some of us who have a fantastic PLN are further ahead of the rest. They just know we are ahead. They really don't get the PLN.
Though they do not recognize the little bit of time that blogging takes can yield such huge rewards, I at least have the attention of the CFF coach. She is excited about my recommendation that instead of publishing a newsletter to show all the cool tools I know, websites, tips, etc. that we should create a group blog (thanks Claire for this recommendation).
I offered to manage it and bring people in. So here is the question:
How do you get them in? I know, put cool stuff in, get them a reader, teach rss, build it and they will come...
What other tips can you suggest for lighting that fire and changing the world (okay, our school, but you get it!)
I look forward to any responses. I really want to make a change.
Tag: comment08
However, at my school, I think people are starting to recognize that some of us who have a fantastic PLN are further ahead of the rest. They just know we are ahead. They really don't get the PLN.
Though they do not recognize the little bit of time that blogging takes can yield such huge rewards, I at least have the attention of the CFF coach. She is excited about my recommendation that instead of publishing a newsletter to show all the cool tools I know, websites, tips, etc. that we should create a group blog (thanks Claire for this recommendation).
I offered to manage it and bring people in. So here is the question:
How do you get them in? I know, put cool stuff in, get them a reader, teach rss, build it and they will come...
What other tips can you suggest for lighting that fire and changing the world (okay, our school, but you get it!)
I look forward to any responses. I really want to make a change.
Tag: comment08
Comment challenge - the second half of the month!
My goal right now is to finish the comment challenge before the day is out (after all, this is the last day of May). Again, I did not keep up with this and I thought I would be more on top of it. However, I know that I am sorely over-extended. Regardless, I will still learn something to this even though I am again late to another party! Here goes:
Day 16 Go back and catch up on something
No rest for me on this challenge as I am behind. Time to go back to Day 14. I am off to create a post asking questions and elicit discussions and responses. This was a great challenge to change how I write posts.
Day 17 Five in Five
Not sure how I will read and comment of 5 blogs in 5 minutes without cheating and leaving a superficial comment. Unfortunately I just cleared my reader but think there is 5 new ones there now.
Alright, this was tough. I can't even read 5 in 5 minutes let alone comment on them meaningfully (one was tough to grasp - edupunk?)
The one great thing it gave me was the ability to not be wishy-washy about the comment and actually make one. Maybe I should time myself more!
Day 18 Analyze the comments on your own blog
The posts that generate the most comments are my original ones. Posts about my action research generated the most, plans for global collaborations, pd at school, etc.
I do receive some comments when I comment on another's post but it is usually the original author. These posts are still good as this blog is again the mulling of topics by me. However, more original works need to be created by me.
This really is not about getting more comments, it is about being a generator of ideas as I believe I can do this. Or, a teller of stories of learning in my class...Hmmm....
Day 19 Respond to a commenter on your own blog
I already do this - except for spam comments. I learned this from Vicki Davis as well as learning that you should visit the blogs of thos who took the time t visit yours.
Day 20 Three links out
Now this is cool - generally I try to find a link from another blogger I read but have never tried going one more further. Actually I think I did this once but ended up so far away from what I intended. It was a good journey though! I have found a great environmental blog this way as well as a zen blog. Not my normal fair, but worthwhile to not read all about education and technology!
Day 21 Make a recommendation
Okay, this I have done in the last month but before the day of this challenge. Someone wanted an example of an app being used and I supplied a link to a specific page in our wiki. I do need to use this more often though to continue the connection of others.
Day 22 Highlight a favorite comment
There have been a few that I would highlight as they are people I admire who took the time to come to my blog and recognize my fledgling voice. We are all busy people and the time spent to do this is always appreciated. Of two that stand out are Clay Burrell for recognizing my science education viewpoints and offering encouragement
and Vicki Davis who was the first to encourage my new voice:
What tips would I give about being a great commenter?
Tag: comment08
Day 16 Go back and catch up on something
No rest for me on this challenge as I am behind. Time to go back to Day 14. I am off to create a post asking questions and elicit discussions and responses. This was a great challenge to change how I write posts.
Day 17 Five in Five
Not sure how I will read and comment of 5 blogs in 5 minutes without cheating and leaving a superficial comment. Unfortunately I just cleared my reader but think there is 5 new ones there now.
Alright, this was tough. I can't even read 5 in 5 minutes let alone comment on them meaningfully (one was tough to grasp - edupunk?)
The one great thing it gave me was the ability to not be wishy-washy about the comment and actually make one. Maybe I should time myself more!
Day 18 Analyze the comments on your own blog
The posts that generate the most comments are my original ones. Posts about my action research generated the most, plans for global collaborations, pd at school, etc.
I do receive some comments when I comment on another's post but it is usually the original author. These posts are still good as this blog is again the mulling of topics by me. However, more original works need to be created by me.
This really is not about getting more comments, it is about being a generator of ideas as I believe I can do this. Or, a teller of stories of learning in my class...Hmmm....
Day 19 Respond to a commenter on your own blog
I already do this - except for spam comments. I learned this from Vicki Davis as well as learning that you should visit the blogs of thos who took the time t visit yours.
Day 20 Three links out
Now this is cool - generally I try to find a link from another blogger I read but have never tried going one more further. Actually I think I did this once but ended up so far away from what I intended. It was a good journey though! I have found a great environmental blog this way as well as a zen blog. Not my normal fair, but worthwhile to not read all about education and technology!
Day 21 Make a recommendation
Okay, this I have done in the last month but before the day of this challenge. Someone wanted an example of an app being used and I supplied a link to a specific page in our wiki. I do need to use this more often though to continue the connection of others.
Day 22 Highlight a favorite comment
There have been a few that I would highlight as they are people I admire who took the time to come to my blog and recognize my fledgling voice. We are all busy people and the time spent to do this is always appreciated. Of two that stand out are Clay Burrell for recognizing my science education viewpoints and offering encouragement
...Both your analysis of the problems and your proposed solutions are spot on, in my book. I see the same ignorance of the forest due to focus on the trees in my history classes. To switch metaphors, we teach students to memorize individual puzzle pieces, but not to puzzle them out and construct the big picture they belong to...
and Vicki Davis who was the first to encourage my new voice:
There are those that argue that citizenship is not the right word to use with these skills. I personally, agree with you and cannot think of a better word!Day 23 What makes a great comment?
What tips would I give about being a great commenter?
- Don't self-promote unless it is needed to make the point (maybe it isn't even needed then?)
- Ask a question to bring a response from the post writer and engage a discussion
- Build upon another's comment to bring the discussion even deeper
- Be sure to link your name to your blog so we can learn something about you - we really are interested
- Talk about someone we don't know so we can learn from you and them too
- Keep it short but make a point
Tag: comment08
Friday, May 30, 2008
Future direction
Many of the comments on my blog have a certain commonality to them.
Many encourage my present thinking and reinforcing what I believe as I continue to mull them around:
From Vicki Davis in response to Creating Technology Toolbelts :
PD should become embedded in our practice not extraneous. And these tools should become embedded in the many tasks we do. We should be descriptive about what is to be accomplished and not so prescriptive as to limit it.
Cole Camplese commented in reply to Social Networking: Hype or Hidden Opportunity:
I am always a little nervous working with educators outside my primary area of focus, but am finding out how much we really do have in common. I'd love to find a way for us all to engage in a larger set of opportunities to get together and share ideas more often.
Chris Wherley says:
Sounds like you have a pretty good idea of what you are doing. Do we ever know exactly whether we are doing it right or wrong. Keep moving forward until you find out. If you stop or stop trying, you will never know exactly.
Many encourage me to continue and not give up - to keep refining what I believe - and to continue to draw others in by being vocal.
Tag: comment08
Many encourage my present thinking and reinforcing what I believe as I continue to mull them around:
From Vicki Davis in response to Creating Technology Toolbelts :
PD should become embedded in our practice not extraneous. And these tools should become embedded in the many tasks we do. We should be descriptive about what is to be accomplished and not so prescriptive as to limit it.
Cole Camplese commented in reply to Social Networking: Hype or Hidden Opportunity:
I am always a little nervous working with educators outside my primary area of focus, but am finding out how much we really do have in common. I'd love to find a way for us all to engage in a larger set of opportunities to get together and share ideas more often.
Chris Wherley says:
Sounds like you have a pretty good idea of what you are doing. Do we ever know exactly whether we are doing it right or wrong. Keep moving forward until you find out. If you stop or stop trying, you will never know exactly.
Many encourage me to continue and not give up - to keep refining what I believe - and to continue to draw others in by being vocal.
Tag: comment08
Monday, May 12, 2008
Where did May go?
I can't believe the whole month has slipped by and I have neglected all of the tasks for the comment challenge (okay, I mulled them over but have been a bad blogger by letting the post sit in blogger the whole month). I have really not followed it well. In the past, I might have let it go, but I really need to learn from this. So here goes for a super combined post.
Day 1: Do a Commenting Self-Audit
I have tried to pick up and comment on new blogs each week. More importantly, I am extending myself by subscribing to new blogs as well that extend me in technology, education, science (my field), and environment (what I love). I chose to do this because when I do comment, I tend to on the blogs in my google reader. You can see the pattern here.
Although doing this near the end of the school year has been quite the battle in managing everything including my growing reader, it has given me more interesting perspectives. I believe I have commented more, but still tend to not comment if there are already a lot of comments. I need to get over that. I also have had little time to go find my own new blogs, but instead am relying on posts from my reader to take me to new blogs.
Day 2: Comment on a Blog You’ve Never Commented on Before
I started out alright with this one but near the end of the month, I am barely catching up.
Day 3: Sign up for a Comment Tracking Service
This was easy - I signed up for CoComments and you can see to the right of my blog, the comments I have made.
Day 4: Ask a Question in a Blog Comment
I rarely do this. I considered this a great way to up my blogging. Creating comments that include questions is a great way to enhance the discussion - remembering to receive email updates is crucial though. I would forget to go back and check the discussions. With email updates, you can see what has been answered and by whom and continue the conversation.
Day 5: Comment on a Blog Post You Don’t Agree With
I tend to not put myself out there in complete disagreement and would rather disagree agreeably. However, comments are not always perceived that way so I tend to be cautious and sometimes so much that the comment does not get written.
Because I still find blogs that extend myself and what I agree with, I have not had the opportunity to really find something to disagree with. Asking questions can get others to validate their points and perhaps provide areas to disagree with. More importantly, I think I need to swim with more sharks! There are bloggers like Clay Burrell who can really bring out the opposites that create quite lively discussions. I tend to comment about comments that I disagree with more than commenting on the posts that I am not in agreement.
Day 6: Engage another Commenter in Discussion
I need email updates for every comment I make and not just the ones that I comment with questions. I am sure I have missed discussions because I have not done so. By linking within the comment, I was able to get a poster to engage further discussion via email. I was very flattered that he took the time.
Day 7: Reflect on What You’ve Learned so Far
- Don't let my comment be the last word - follow up, follow up, follow up!
- Sift through the reader and then go somewhere else for information.
- Ask questions in the blog comment.
Day 8: Comment on a blog outside of your niche
I have found the reading and commenting on environmental type blogs to be the most painful so far. The rudeness is unreal. We encounter some in edublogging, but in political and heavily charged blogs, it is much more prevalent. I did comment on a few of those, but really struggled with the process.
Day 9: Should We Be Commenting on Blogs?
I comment but I also post. Sometimes I do one without the other depending upon the amount of reflection that I need to do about the topic. In blogs, you can go back through the archives of the blogger and really get a feel for where they are coming from. Very few other media allow that to happen.
Day 10: Do a Comment Audit on Your Own Blog
Here are my problems:
- Ask more questions in my blog. I get comments agreeing with what I say or I am posting about a blog I read which do not more than generate the same commenting over and over. I need to elicit discussions by asking questions that bring in responses.
- I also need to be okay with not having the whole answer. I am not sure why I think my blog posts need to be complete and I need to sound like I have figured it all out. After all, I haven't and that is why I am blogging in the first place...to continue my own education.
- Should I ask a specific question at the end? Maybe that would elicit more comments vs. a question earlier in the post.
I have read here about making a comment policy (I know I would not look for that though) - will others see that? A great comment policy can be seen here. Okay, now that I have looked at one, maybe it would be great to have. After all, it took me awhile to figure out what to do and perhaps if someone sees it they will be more inclined to actually comment. This has given me the opportunity to redo my about me section and write an About the blog section.
Day 12: Make sure your blog technology is comment friendly
Time to go back in and look at what setting I have. I know that the non-bloggers in my school had a hard time commenting on my site as they had to click comment to bring up the window. That may be a stumbling block for others so now is the time to go back and see what I can change to make it much easier. Now that the way to comment has also been posted, this should really help out.
Day 13: Write a blog post using comments
My blog post entitled: Future direction has given me an opportunity to go back to comments and look at them all together. I also had the opportunity to determine what I have learned from them and where it can now send me in my blogging. What a great idea to get back to all those comments that you may have forgotten about and could really lead you into a different path.
Day 14 Turn your blog over to your readers
Ask a question…Hmmm….Something thought provoking….Something I will learn from….
I am way late on this but will definitely do it. Just not today.
Day 15 Give a comment award
I would give Claire Thompson an award. I do not have many who comment, but she has been pretty frequent and she is excellent at comments. Beyond that, she has great blog posts too.
I don't have a badge for her, but I know that coming up we need to leave comments in forms other than words. I think I'll combine these two.
Tags: comment08
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Creating technology toolbelts...
At the Penn State One-to-One conference I stated in my wiki presentation that technology is not about the tool to create something that would replace a bulletin board, poster, etc. Instead it is a tool to transform learning and communication. I still have a bit to learn.
In Vicki Davis' latest post: "Get Past Teaching Apps: Build and Use a Student Technology Toolbelt", she reminds us all that these are just tools. They do not fit into a year or necessarily a project. They are tools and with every tool there is a right one for the job.
The ability to use technology well means that you can think about which tool to use, troubleshoot, replace the tool if necessary and most importantly find that there are parallels between all tools (ability to figure out a tool increases the more you play and see this).
She says...
She creates an analogy of shop class. Though there may be a class where you use a hammer or a certain saw more than others (and have some instruction) it is not the last time you will use the tool in your shop classes.
On the same thought, using a hammer for all shop work is not appropriate and students need to learn this and be exposed to as many tools as possible.
Tags: Vicki Davis, education
In Vicki Davis' latest post: "Get Past Teaching Apps: Build and Use a Student Technology Toolbelt", she reminds us all that these are just tools. They do not fit into a year or necessarily a project. They are tools and with every tool there is a right one for the job.
The ability to use technology well means that you can think about which tool to use, troubleshoot, replace the tool if necessary and most importantly find that there are parallels between all tools (ability to figure out a tool increases the more you play and see this).
She says...
We are truly still in the dark ages of computer use. Technology is still in its infancy.
However, if we
- focus on tasks to be accomplished
- focus on how to select tools and how to self-learn those tools without a lot of outside intervention.
- focus on creativity and innovation and give time for meaningful technology-enabled projects that push the ability levels of students and are related to core-subjects or current events.
- require students to research, learn practical guidelines for digital citizenship and safety, and how to publish safely...
- teach them to think and construct personal learning networks AND methodologies to bring others easily into those networks of sharing on a common topic...
- help them be unafraid and understand the file formats and basic codes that underpin all of the sharing (including RSS)...
- help them become comfortable in virtual worlds and understand that they are interacting with avatars that represent real people...
- help them understand that online activities have offline consequences...
I believe we will see the technologically fluent student emerge, ready to conquer the world.
She creates an analogy of shop class. Though there may be a class where you use a hammer or a certain saw more than others (and have some instruction) it is not the last time you will use the tool in your shop classes.
On the same thought, using a hammer for all shop work is not appropriate and students need to learn this and be exposed to as many tools as possible.
Tags: Vicki Davis, education
Friday, May 9, 2008
Go global?...what do you think?
So as I am thinking what I can do next year to create an authentic project for my academic students.
I loved the one that I did with them as a way to discuss ecological concepts, ecosystems and biomes. Students were assigned to teams on TIGed where they were in charge with researching different countries, their age structure diagrams, information about the country and culture, and environmental problems the country faces. The problem with the project was that we had grand plans, but we were looking at the other countries with the eyes of the US and not through the eyes of the people there. In the end I was hoping to create a mini UN with a global environmental bill of rights that was developed collectively. We learned so much in the activities but it was difficult to complete the end project with such a homogeneous group. Regardless, the students learned a lot and loved the work we did.
So, if I were to do this again, it would be great to include schools from around the world. This project would be massive but would be great to have students report about the countries they are in, the biomes/ecosystem/environment around them, problems they face, etc. A global discussion of students coming together to decide what is really important and understand the positions of others would be huge! I am not sure how this will work as there would be so many presentations, etc. It would be powerful to have a huge event on Earth Day 2009 where discussions about particular topics were held.
I have not been a part of a global project before. Is this kind of project feasible and how do you go about finding classrooms who can and will participate in such a thing?
If anyone has some advice or guidance it would be greatly appreciated.
Tags: PBL, authentic instruction, collaboration, project based learning
I loved the one that I did with them as a way to discuss ecological concepts, ecosystems and biomes. Students were assigned to teams on TIGed where they were in charge with researching different countries, their age structure diagrams, information about the country and culture, and environmental problems the country faces. The problem with the project was that we had grand plans, but we were looking at the other countries with the eyes of the US and not through the eyes of the people there. In the end I was hoping to create a mini UN with a global environmental bill of rights that was developed collectively. We learned so much in the activities but it was difficult to complete the end project with such a homogeneous group. Regardless, the students learned a lot and loved the work we did.
So, if I were to do this again, it would be great to include schools from around the world. This project would be massive but would be great to have students report about the countries they are in, the biomes/ecosystem/environment around them, problems they face, etc. A global discussion of students coming together to decide what is really important and understand the positions of others would be huge! I am not sure how this will work as there would be so many presentations, etc. It would be powerful to have a huge event on Earth Day 2009 where discussions about particular topics were held.
I have not been a part of a global project before. Is this kind of project feasible and how do you go about finding classrooms who can and will participate in such a thing?
If anyone has some advice or guidance it would be greatly appreciated.
Tags: PBL, authentic instruction, collaboration, project based learning
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Find the time...
David Warlick responds to Jeff Utecht's post about Clay Shirky's Gin, Television, and social surplus...
Could all the stuff that we have to do day in and out be put there to keep brains occupied? Is that where all the corporate models came from - keep them busy? Is that what we do to kids? Could the lack of engagement and caring be related to those needs not being met? The unmet psychological needs and need to keep the brain busy.
David Warlick quotes:
For all the teachers who have told me they don't have time to blog, play with web 2.0 tools...I have left a lot of mind numbing things go in order to use, think, create, learn... What if I even stepped it up another notch... if constraints on our time that are meaningless are lifted, what would that mean?
Tags: David Warlick, Clay Shirky, Jeff Utecht, empowerment, education
Could all the stuff that we have to do day in and out be put there to keep brains occupied? Is that where all the corporate models came from - keep them busy? Is that what we do to kids? Could the lack of engagement and caring be related to those needs not being met? The unmet psychological needs and need to keep the brain busy.
David Warlick quotes:
He suggests in this very interesting piece, that the sitcom, and in a broader sense, Television, served the same purpose during our shift to an information economy. The critical question is, “What do we do with the surplus of social capital, as we wake up from the television binge.” He describes some intriguing examples, but…and then goes on to say...
My question is, “What would we, educators, find ourselves with a surplus of, if we were to suddenly be able to rid our selves of the constraints that cost our time and efforts?“Wow - if the current creativity of children which when stifled too much overflows into controversy over content and copyright could be channeled into solving problems. If we dare to think what they could do if empowered.
For all the teachers who have told me they don't have time to blog, play with web 2.0 tools...I have left a lot of mind numbing things go in order to use, think, create, learn... What if I even stepped it up another notch... if constraints on our time that are meaningless are lifted, what would that mean?
Tags: David Warlick, Clay Shirky, Jeff Utecht, empowerment, education
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
I believe...
I have been tagged by Beth Knittle for the "I believe..." meme started by Barry Bachenheimer.
This meme is a mission statement and vision for what we believe about education. Wow...what do I believe? That has changed so much since graduating college, teaching a variety of level of students and science subjects. But here goes. Here is what I believe....
Now I would like to tag the following educators to see what they believe:
Claire Thompson
Zach Chase
Tim Stahmer
Tags: Beth Knittle, Barry Bachenheimer
This meme is a mission statement and vision for what we believe about education. Wow...what do I believe? That has changed so much since graduating college, teaching a variety of level of students and science subjects. But here goes. Here is what I believe....
- Learning to think critically and independently is an important, lifelong skill that is crucial for living in this world
- Explain simply, connect the important points, and find a deeper understanding. Learn to find your voice and be reflective. "Write to learn".
- Education should focus on questioning, seeking knowledge and using social behavior to create a mindset for solving problems.
- Conversations are an important way to learn instead of just repeating found information
- Education should focus on doing instead of just reading or finding.
- Leadership, communication, collaboration and sharing has a place with all learners including teachers.
- Compare, contrast, evaluate and examine both ends of issues and ideas. Remove your boundaries to learning.
- Education is never done and is continuous even when you don't think you need it.
Now I would like to tag the following educators to see what they believe:
Claire Thompson
Zach Chase
Tim Stahmer
Tags: Beth Knittle, Barry Bachenheimer
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Action research: Writing skills
Now that my second Embedded Learning class is coming to an end, we are asked to formulate action research that we would continue with next. I have really been thinking about this, and mentioned to my coach Melissa Fedigan that I believed that their writing skills have had to increase through the extensive use of the wiki. I believe that it would be a good focus of action research to actually try to measure this and generate data. Blogging is new (okay, maybe for schools), and looked at as a fad, but an incredibly rich tool for getting deeper into the content. I have not really pursued blogging in all my classes and would really like to focus more on this.
I am looking at working with English teachers to see if points can also be give in English (not sure how this will work as I teach multi grades and not all of a particular grade). I definitely need assistance in assigning a measure to the writing. There are many points that need to be discussed with students prior to blogging from etiquette in writing and commenting, plagiarism, writing conventions, and more. Let's not forget the content as well.
A recent post from Jeff Felix on Teen Writing Skills improve with Blogging, provides information on students who blog vs. those who don't (data can be viewed from PEW: Writing, Technology, and Teens). Jeff writes:
Off to finish the last part of the course. Once it is outlined, i will write more about it prior to the start of next school year.
Tags: Jeff Felix, blogs, education
I am looking at working with English teachers to see if points can also be give in English (not sure how this will work as I teach multi grades and not all of a particular grade). I definitely need assistance in assigning a measure to the writing. There are many points that need to be discussed with students prior to blogging from etiquette in writing and commenting, plagiarism, writing conventions, and more. Let's not forget the content as well.
A recent post from Jeff Felix on Teen Writing Skills improve with Blogging, provides information on students who blog vs. those who don't (data can be viewed from PEW: Writing, Technology, and Teens). Jeff writes:
Blogging allows a student to write more with more insight into the topic. The student will have deeper thoughts on the subject at hand and will be more motivated to write about the subject. This motivation for writing will assist the student in a variety of other subjects in school and may even lead to a better understanding of their own psyche....and...
The report notes that teens write for a variety of reasons such as part of a school assignment, to communicate with friends, to share their creations with others, or simply to document their thoughts. They are more motivated to write when they can select topics that are important to their lives and interests, and they report greater enjoyment of school writing when they have the chance to write creatively. Teens also report that writing in a blog for a local or worldwide audience motivates them to write clearly and more often.
Most students (82 percent) believe that additional instruction and focus on writing in school would help improve their writing even further--and more than three-quarters of those surveyed (78 percent) think it would help their writing if their teachers used computer-based writing tools such as games, multimedia, or writing software programs or web sites during class.Jeff has also completed his own research here ("Edublogging: Instruction for the Digital Age Learner"). Will spend more time looking through his research.
Off to finish the last part of the course. Once it is outlined, i will write more about it prior to the start of next school year.
Tags: Jeff Felix, blogs, education
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Passion quilt meme
Blogmeister participants were tagged by Miguel Guhlin with creating a passion quilt meme (alright, it has taken me some time to do this). Here is mine:
I believe that students need to have different eyes when evaluating information and material that are in front of them. Concerning the information overload present today, we need different eyes in order to evaluate it critically, make sense of it, and become better learners, citizens...
Tags: passionquilt08, Miguel Guhlin
I believe that students need to have different eyes when evaluating information and material that are in front of them. Concerning the information overload present today, we need different eyes in order to evaluate it critically, make sense of it, and become better learners, citizens...
Tags: passionquilt08, Miguel Guhlin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)