Photoblogging ppt

Student Photoblogs Illustrating Real-world Applications of

Math and Science

Katherine BartzStacey Meyer

Lin Muilenburg, Ph. D

St. Mary's College of MarylandMaster of Arts in Teaching Program

2011

What is photoblogging?

• A weblog or "blog" is typically an online journal in which people can share experiences with others. 

• A photoblog, includes digital images as a major component of the online journal. 

 • For the purpose of our research, we used our

photoblogs more like class websites or forums as opposed to journals.

Reasons for using Photoblogs

• Easy to use• Increases digital literacy• Can be used to provide differentiation • Expands the virtual classroom• Provides space for collaboration and

discussion• Resource for students and parents • Engaging for students

Considerations• Access to technology

o Multiple methods to upload

Ways to Post Images- Photoblogging1. Multimedia Message• Capture image using cell phone camera• Upload photo into picture message• Send picture to email posting address 2. Email attachment• Capture image using digital camera or

screenshot• Attach picture file to email• Send email to the email posting address

Considerations

• Privacyo Use settings to restrict access 

Considerations• Censorship

o Set clear class rules for blogging o Save student posts as drafts to review

Considerations• School Policy

o  Homework Assignment

Our use of Photoblogging-- ApplicationGeometry class: Have students post pictures of triangles around their homes and comment about properties and area of the triangle. This is used as a review for the test on triangles. www.geometryhonorsblog.blogspot.com 

Environmental Science:  Students will take pictures of objects in their homes that they would typically throw away and describe how they could apply one of the 5 Rs (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle) to this item.    www.apesclassblog.blogspot.com 

Research Methods

• Assess the technological capabilities and experience of the class to determine assignment feasibility

 • Introduce students to the class photoblog

 • Provide prompt for students and monitor student

posts • Score assignments and record participation rates

 • Share completed photoblog with students

  Geometry Honors Blog

Sample Geometry Post

Sample Geometry Posts

Sample Geometry Post

APES Class Blog

Sample Post

Sample Post

Sample Post

Sample Post

Findings

• Feasibility o Most students had access to the technology

necessary to complete the assignment (39/47) using a mobile phone The other 8 could post using email

o Accessing the blog in St. Mary's County Public Schools

• Participationo Total 26/46

Geometry 9/23 Environmental Science 17/24

• Quality o Posts that were submitted were of high qualityo Lead to meaningful discussionso Class resource

Future Considerations

• Participationo Some students may initially struggle with using

new technologyo Participation will likely improve over time as

students become used to the assignment format• Blog Access

o Some school districts block blogging sites such as blogger.com

o Other forums such as Moodle or Blackboard could be used instead 

• Cell phone use in schools

Conclusions

• Photoblogging is an easy and effective way to incorporate technology and mobile learning into your curriculum 

 • Students were able to apply concepts

taught in class in real-world situations • Repetition may lead to increased

participation