Back in the day if we had a homework question outside of school hours, we would have to call a friend in the class and hope they knew the answer. Now though, if you have a question, there are a variety of ways to get ahold of a classmate for help. Kids can text, email, IM, and facebook chat with a classmate. However, having a class homework help blog might be the more beneficial way to go. With the other methods, it is restricted to one classmate helping another, and doesn't benefit other students in the classroom that might have the same question. If the teacher had a homework help blog, students could post questions for each other on assignments, help each other out, and even help prevent misunderstandings on assignments that may occur when information is being exchanged between two students instead of the whole class.
TSLT Goal 3: Standard 1
I also find that blogging would be a good way for students to express their opinions on what is going on in the news in a safe environment. Many times in the classroom it is intimidating to express your opinion on current events, especially for shy students, and being able to express your thoughts on different matters affecting the world through a blog can be much easier. This is also a good way for teachers to make sure that everyone participates. By posing a question to students and asking them to respond via blog, they are giving every student the opportunity to express their opinion, while also allowing them time to compose their thoughts and word their answers regarding what sometimes could be delicate topics, a chance they wouldn't have face to face in the classroom.
TSLT Goal 4: Standard 1
Lastly, Blogging can be used as a way to keep parents informed on what is going on in the classroom. By allowing parents access to the blogs, they can see what is being discussed in school, and can continue the discussions/learning in the home.
TSLT Goal 4: Standard 1
Kristy-
ReplyDeleteI really like your idea for using the blog as a spot for a homework help site. When I was in Middle School, we had a Homework Hotline to call in to and everyday our teachers voice recorded the assignments for that evening, so if we were unsure about what was due the next day, or our parents wanted to stay on top of our work, it was available for us. I think a blog would be even easier, as so many of our students are tech savvy and already online. I think having a space for students to also ask questions about an assignment would be great, something like our "Peer Help" section on our discussion board. This could be a useful tool for all of us to incorporate into our future class blogs!
Hannah
Kristyn
ReplyDeleteI agree that blogging gives opportunity for every students to express their opinions. In class, there might not have enough time for each student to express their ideas to the whole class, and there're students intimidating to speak as well. Therefore, blog is a platform for students to communicate with each other. In addition, I love your opinion of having parents access to blogs. It's essentail for parents to involve more in education. More importantly, it could be one way of informing the upcmoing activities in class.
YenJen
Kristyn
ReplyDeleteOne of my ways of incorporating blogs in class is similar to your second idea. Reticent students get to express themselves in the discussion board online more easily. I like you said that blogs allow time for students to compose their thought. In this case, students could articulate their opinions and clear up unnecessary confusion might be happened in the middle of the class.
Kristyn,
ReplyDeleteA homework help section of a blog website might work well. The teacher could post additional resources that might explain the topics covered in the homework and, as you mentioned, the students could help each other. However, I don't think the teacher should be the one providing homework help, because that means that the teacher would have nor personal life!
Dr. Burgos