Chapter 2 & 3

Chapter two in Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms by Will Richardson discussed "pedagogy and practice" (p. 17) of blogs.  It stated that blogs are a great resource to have which allow can allow teachers to post about their lessons, day, questions, etc. and receive feedback from other teachers. This is something I did not think of before but strikes me as a great day. What better way to find more advice and answers for your teaching issues than asking other professionals. This can also allow teachers to get another view point and advice from what happens in other states and maybe even countries. This would be a VERY interactive practice.  On page 20, the author bullets "that blogs can:

• Promote critical and analytical thinking;
• be a powerful promoter of creative, intuitive, and associational thinking;
• promote analogical thinking;
• be a powerful medium for increasing access and exposure to quality information;
• combine the best of solitary reflection and social interaction"

I believe that these are all powerful points to consider when incorporate blogging in the classroom.The author also points that blogging is not just for an ELA or English class; blogging can be incorporated across the curriculum. This is something I have never considered before but makes sense. We are urging teachers to incorporate reading and writing to their lessons no matter what the subject so why not put it in a blog? 

Chapter three also raised some interesting points that I have not considered before. First, it discussed blogging WITH students. I believe that students would get more out of blogging if the teacher posts and comments on what students are saying. This can spark a enriching conversation between the student and teacher while benefiting all the readers. Second, it discussed the option of using a blog instead of a classroom website. I think it would be a better tool to use. It seems that a blog can be updated more easily than a classroom website. A blog would also give an easier access for parents; thus raising the question about getting parents, teachers and students all involved with classroom blogging. I think these are two strong points in favor of classroom blogging which open up new doors for education and classrooms.

HOT Blogging: A Framework for Blogging to Promote Higher Order Thinking by Lisa Zawilinski brought blogging from just a communication tool to a tool that promotes HOT skills; HOT skills are analysis, synthesis and evaluation. When blogging, students need to analyze the topic and what is being discussed; synthesis what is being stated and finally, evaluate his/her opinion. They are strengthening these skills in a fun, new way. Next, she wrote about how her students asked to use their blogs in a different way than just writing about the book they were reading. Lisa took their suggestions and allowed students to create a blog solely based on the individual needs of her students. I really like that she encouraged her students to do something different with their blogs.

Denise Johnson wrote Teaching with Authors' Blogs: Connections, Collaboration, Creativity. I was immediately shocked with the quote at the beginning of her article. "Thinking about launching your own blog? Here's some friendly advice: Don't. And if you've already got one, pull the plug." My first reaction was surprise that this was in her article and I was confused. I'm still not sure about the quote but this is what I gathered from her article. First, I never thought to check authors' blogs. I think back to Jaclyn's Children's Lit class and our author study. I chose Mo Willems, who is a humorous children's author, and can picture him using a blog. I do not remember every coming across a blog but if I had I do not think I would have seen how beneficial it would have been. Johnson discussed in her article that authors' blogs are very quick and informational blurbs. These blogs allow authors to connect with their readers on a more personal note. I am really curious to know if Mo Willems has a blog and I would like to check on other favorite authors. I can definitely see how author blogs can be useful in the classroom, especially with biographies and author studies!