misiak_blogging

- Jackie Misiak : Fall 2012 -
 * Blogging for Struggling Writers ** Integrating & Implementing Technology

** Project Description: **
I chose to research and present on the effect that blogging can have on struggling writers. Because I am an Intervention Specialist, my entire job is focused around these students – those who have difficulties with learning. I wanted to research this topic a little further to see if this was something I could incorporate into my instruction to help my students be more successful with their literacy skills. In this presentation, I will focus on the following ideas: who the struggling write is, how technology can serve as a bridge for these gaps, the advantages and limitations of using blogs in the classroom, examples of how to use blogs in a variety of grade levels, their application to the SAMR model and some general tips for using blogs in the classroom. I will also briefly walk through 2 popular blogging sites.

** Content Uses of Blogs: **
Blogs are versatile technology tools for the classroom. They are not restricted for use in only one subject area, but rather can be used across the curriculum even in elective courses like the arts. Blogs provide students of all abilities the opportunity to reflect upon what they've learned in class and apply that knowledge to respond to questions or instructional material. They require students to utilize their analytical skills by reading posts made by teachers and peers and responding with their own thoughts on the subject. Because literacy is an area that is used in everything we do in life, adding this tool to any class can be beneficial to everyone, especially those who lack the motivation to write. Not only do they enhance the academic skills of students, but they provide students with the chance to interact with others, collaborating and communicating in online environments. Blogs, combining literacy, social, content and technology skills, add an effective element to every child's education.

** Presentation Video: **
Please view the videos displayed below which discuss the new trend of blogging in schools, how blogs can be used to support struggling writers and what blogging can look like in the classroom.

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Blogging in the Classroom
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** Supporting Articles: **
Below are links to several articles that I found helpful and informative as I was researching this topic. Check them out if you would like to learn more!


 * HOT Blogging: A Framework for Blogging to Promote Higher Order Thinking **


 * Use of Peer Feedback to Enhance Elementary Students' Writing Through Blogging **


 * Assessing the Effects of Interactive Blogging on Student Attitudes Toward Peer Interaction, Learning Motivation and Academic Achievements **


 * Learning From Our Mistakes: What Matters When Incorporating Blogging in the Content Area Literacy Classroom **


 * Blogs, Wikis and Text Messaging: What are the Implications for Students with Learning Disabilities **


 * *Please see attached file for a list of references from which I gathered my information **

*below is my powerpoint presentation

** Pedagogical Considerations: **
With the new shift towards the Common Core Standards, Blogs, to me provide an effective method of delivering instruction and encouraging the use of skills that are essential for success in the 21st century and beyond. They provide for an effective way to communicate to students and parents and engage students in their own learning which results in them taking ownership. Blogs provide the opportunity to take students beyond the walls of the classroom and strengthen skills such as: communication, collaboration, reading, writing, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating, etc. Looking at the teaching strategies of Marzano, blogs set up collaborative environments, give students the chance to practice skills and vocabulary and allows teachers and other students to provide feedback on posted thoughts. Additionally, blogs can be reflected in the NETS for teachers in the following categories:


 * Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity**
 * Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources
 * Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning and creative processes
 * Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments**
 * Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity
 * Customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies and abilities using digital tools and resources
 * Model Digital-Age Work and Learning**
 * Collaborate with students, peers, parents and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation
 * Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents and peers using a variety of digital-age media formats
 * Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility**


 * Address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies and providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources
 * Promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information
 * Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership**


 * Participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning
 * Exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others

** Where to purchase or acquire: **
Below are the links to the two blogs that were discussed in the presentation: Edublog and Kidblog. Click on the pictures to visit the sites. If you would like to look into other sites for classroom blogs, please visit the following link for a list of options...Blog Websites. All the blog host si