With the newly-discovered decision of my sister moving to England, I have recently thought about this topic...blogging internationally. I think there are many great benefits to introducing this kind of communication in any classroom. In my seventh grade English class, we read stories about many different cultures. Using a blog, students could pose questions about everyday cultural differences/similarities, school differences/similarities and they could learn new words and definitions.
I have not tried this with students, but I think it would work best if the blog was set up with a specific class. I think my class would have a more positive experience if they acquired a continual connection. Besides making connections, the other benefit is that students could respond on their own time. Yet another benefit…time difference would not need to be an issue.
Are there concerns? Well…I have not thought about how I would evaluate their experience or which standards and benchmarks this would address. I would also have to find out whose permission I would need. Finally, I would need to think about how to address unforeseen problems if there were inappropriate responses on either end.
Overall, I think this is definitely a topic worth exploring.
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3 comments:
There are always concerns when implementing a new strategy for synthesizing learning. Using blogging internationally with partner peers from other countries would truly bring the worldwide classroom to your door. Evaluating a blog post should not be any more complicated than evaluating an essay or paper. Are the posts informative and accurate, do they display a measure of critical thinking, are they appropriate to the conversation, are they mechanically correct?
As for permission, any time a student is interacting on the World Wide Web, parents should be informed and approve. What better way to get approval and permission than to invite parents to join the conversations. Allow them to read the posts, comment if they have added knowledge to share, and give them a conversation starter with their students-I saw this post on the blog today, what do you think of it?
Just a few added thoughts. I wish you well as you endeavor to create a broader classroom for your students.
Just a few added thoughts. I wish you well as you endeavor to create a broader classroom for your students.
Responding to the quote...I like it...the thought of enriching our lessons with others' viewpoints. Having students respond electronically will also allow shy students to respond with more "think time" and confidence.
Alice, I agree that at least one small blogging experiment with your students would enlighten you - to the pros and cons:)...and any additional steps that need to take place to guarantee success.
Hope you try this! ~ DAtta Kaur
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