With the many demands on a teacher’s time, what would make a person want to blog? Yes we know all about how a blog or what I prefer to say, “a web presence”, can communicate. That is what a blog can do. However this is too simple of an answer.
Here is my current short list of what I think of blogging… Perhaps you have others.
- global connector to extend classroom activities and learning to the world
- breaks down walls to invite the world into the classroom (including scientists, mathematicians, artists, entrepreneurs…)
- connects visible learning moments for parents (yes, it’s automatic – delivery service to their phones or whatever device they use)
- creates a place for students to share their story and practice digital citizenship in an authentic environment (positive digital footprint)
- values the student in owning their voice and story (“They matter… one person can change the world.”)
- creates an environment for students to push their thinking
- inclusive of every learner through visual, audio, video, text (“It’s not just words.”)
- share curricular learning journeys and stories that can be discussed at home
- gives opportunities for creativity, exploration and pose/answer the questions that truly matter
- allows learning to be captured, annotated and reflected upon (“Tell our collective story.”)
- create opportunities for teachers to engage in capturing formative assessment information
- allows embedding of content from multiple places (“connecting the pieces”)
- extend classroom notes and links, criteria reminders, memory joggers (honouring parents/teachers/students time)
- continues the conversation of learning as never ending, always moving through building a community of practice
- access, access, access… anytime anywhere any device
Maybe the bigger question is, do you have a web presence? If you would like to start a blog, contact any member of our Learning Technologies team or go straight to our FORMS/APPLY page to begin the process.
