Engaging the 21st Century Learner
November 12, 2010Using Blogs in the Classroom
Today…
This workshop is for teachers who are interested in becoming more familiar with Web 2.0.
Teachers will be introduced to a number of web-based applications and how they can be used with students for a variety of purposes. Participants will be given the opportunity to
experiment with applications, as well as discuss any ethical implications surrounding the use of
such technology.
This was revolutionary…
• Efficient and uniform dissemination of knowledge
• Fueled scientific, political and social change on a scale unlike any other invention in history
Today’s Revolution…
• Social affiliations and networking
• Being online vs. going online
• The web as an application platform
• Digital self-expression; defining and claiming of one’s voice
What’s the difference?
• Our students are contributing to the collective knowledge of cyber space.
The “Read-Write” Web… Huh?
• Contributing, collaborating, creating
• Internet as a extension of the computer desktop
• Not only a source of reading for research or pleasure
• “Publishing” of creative pieces – written or visual
Paradigm Shift…
• Learning is a collaborative, social endeavour.
Who Said It?
“These (new digital) technologies are truly a gift to humanity and we must endeavour to ensure that the benefits they offer are
put at the service of all human individuals and
communities, especially those who are most disadvantaged and
vulnerable.”
BLOGS
Blogs are powerful communication tools. Blogs are powerful publishing tools.
But blogging (the verb) is still much more than
that to me.
Blogging, as in reading and thinking and then
writing, is connecting and learning.
Will Richardson 2006
Limited Only by Your Imagination
• Teachers– Content-related blog as
professional practice – Networking and personal
knowledge sharing – Instructional tips for
students – Course announcements and
readings – Annotated links
• Students –Reflective or writing journals
–Assignment submission and review
–Dialogue for groupwork
–E-portfolios
–Share course-related resources
Why should students blog?
• Encourages students to write
• Communicate through an exciting medium that engages the learner
• Contribute to collective knowledge
• Construct knowledge
• Use a tool that students
know how to use
D.I. and Web 2.0
• Engage the “millenials”
• Capitalize on skills students already have
• Provide choice• Do “real world” work
using “real world tools”
Ultimately…
• There is no need to be afraid!• An excellent opportunity for teacher-student
collaboration• Let students use tools they are familiar with to
the learn the content• Develop marketable technology skills –
especially for female students• Engage boys through hands-on learning• Provide girls with marketable technological
skills
Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy Supported by Web 2.0 Applications
Time to Play!
• Log on to your computer
• Visit this site:
http://blogginginthearts.blogspot.com