Assigning and Assessing Blog Assignments

Slide 1: Assigning & Assessing Student Blogs

Slide 3: blogs in the classroom on-line student journal

Slide 4: to be educationally valid, innovative instructional technology should fill previously identified need…

Slide 5: concern over decline in quality of class discussions: „ larger class sizes made it impossible for every student to speak in class „ students not doing readings prior to class „ majority coasting on a few vocal students „ inauthentic agreement with (assumed) instructor views

Slide 6: blog as… a (public) reading log

Slide 7: Reading Logs „ promotes class discussion ƒ ensures readings are read for class ƒ students take a stand before class ƒ going public increases authenticity of responses ƒ comment function extends class discussion beyond class time

Slide 8: Reading Logs „ peer correction of misconceptions „ authentic feedback on assigned readings for instructor „ generate quotes, discussion questions for next year „ asynchronous grading and feedback

Slide 9: Scoring „ 1 mark for substantial (150 words or more) posting prior to relevant class „ 1 mark for content related to reading / course content „ 1 mark for attracting or making a comment „ = 3 marks total per posting; 10 postings over the term = /30 marks

Slide 10: Potential problems „ blogger software can eat student submissions „ students ‘reserve comment’ in class discussion „ exchanges can be ‘blind leading the blind’ „ Potential for cheating(?) „ need to set up web page with links to blogs

Slide 12: Safety issues „ Student blogs can be read by anyone ƒ Students can give too many personal details ƒ Confidentiality of student work „ Can ask blogger software not to index

Slide 13: learning communities within and between classrooms „ European Mobility project „ On-line portfolios ƒ Photo, video, and art blogs ƒ literacy and numeracy samples „ Pen pal style exchanges „ Theme based blogs ƒ 43 things

Slide 15: keeping parents informed „ Effortless daily updating of agenda, up coming events, homework assignments, announcements, requests for volunteers „ Comment function allows for Q and A „ Archived automatically

Slide 16: After sales service „ Keep alumni informed; updates „ Network with practitioners in the field

Slide 17: end