I just finished my first year of teaching. I teach 2 AP Language hours in Salina KS and I was wondering if you had any tips or pointers about keeping an internet assignment blog. I kept one this year with some mixed results. I really like the idea, but I think my execution could be a bit stronger. Any tips?
As students, the first place where we will see the full schedule of the week is on this blog, and sometimes Ms. H. will refer to it for specific details on assignments. Perhaps that helps make this blog successful. The blog also serves as a gateway to all of our student blogs, and so we are very familiar with this page. Finally, the blog is also a good way to get in touch with Ms. H., since she checks the blog often (as pestering students like me are so acutely aware) and responds. By communicating through the blog, I find that an answer to someone else’s question is often helpful in completing an assignment. Since we do a number of assignments through postings on forums or blogs, often due at midnight, some questions just can’t wait, and so electronic communication can be a lifesaver.
The Monk gave you a good overview of why I think the blog works well. Students post various assignments and comment on one another's work. Having an audience beyond me is important.
Also, absent students know that this is the best way to keep up with what is happening in class. And because my students are so busy with extra-curricular activities, having a place to check in is vitally important.
The blog needs to become part of the routine, the culture of the class. Every year that happens more and more. Former students frequently return and tell me that they are comfortable with the online presence they need to have in college based on their exposure to it in my class. That's good enough for me.
Good luck as you continue to explore uses of web 2.0.
3 comments:
I just finished my first year of teaching. I teach 2 AP Language hours in Salina KS and I was wondering if you had any tips or pointers about keeping an internet assignment blog. I kept one this year with some mixed results. I really like the idea, but I think my execution could be a bit stronger. Any tips?
As students, the first place where we will see the full schedule of the week is on this blog, and sometimes Ms. H. will refer to it for specific details on assignments. Perhaps that helps make this blog successful. The blog also serves as a gateway to all of our student blogs, and so we are very familiar with this page. Finally, the blog is also a good way to get in touch with Ms. H., since she checks the blog often (as pestering students like me are so acutely aware) and responds. By communicating through the blog, I find that an answer to someone else’s question is often helpful in completing an assignment. Since we do a number of assignments through postings on forums or blogs, often due at midnight, some questions just can’t wait, and so electronic communication can be a lifesaver.
Hope this helps.
Mrs. Leech,
The Monk gave you a good overview of why I think the blog works well. Students post various assignments and comment on one another's work. Having an audience beyond me is important.
Also, absent students know that this is the best way to keep up with what is happening in class. And because my students are so busy with extra-curricular activities, having a place to check in is vitally important.
The blog needs to become part of the routine, the culture of the class. Every year that happens more and more. Former students frequently return and tell me that they are comfortable with the online presence they need to have in college based on their exposure to it in my class. That's good enough for me.
Good luck as you continue to explore uses of web 2.0.
Ms. H
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