My immediate thoughts for using a blog to enhance learning is that would be more of a resource for students to use at home... to be a virtual textbook as it were. (Not that my students use a textbook very often, but the metaphor is sound.) I guess I am thinking of it as a place where a student can get a copy of the notes if they left them at school or find a few links to websites that will their play off their curiosity. It could simply serve as a reminder message board about due dates and such.
A distinctly different use would be for me as a professional to use it to reflect upon the goings on in my classroom and to encourage feedback from other professionals. As I teach 8th grade Civics (with the occasional language class for good measure) I could use it to connect with others of the same vein. (That sounds more like work than fun, however, which dampens my excitement as it enhances my instruction. Why can't everything be sugar that is dipped in chocolate like a candy bar?)
...or you might consider using it as a place for students to debate some current Civics issue, perhaps instead of the more traditional paper/pencil homework.
ReplyDeleteIf you maintain a professional blog, then I would suggest not including a profile, or at least keeping your personal details to a minimum, as you'll likely want to be able to "speak" freely. A bit of anonymity can protect you from any workplace backlash if you post an unpopular - or really honest - idea, thought, or reflection.