Blogs in the Classroom: Jeffrey Ayer, Project Consultant Contact Information: Office Phone: (715) 243-1231 [email_address] [email_address] [email_address]

What is a Blog? According to dictionary.com:

Connect quieter, sometimes disenfranchised students Create discussion beyond class time when students have time outside of class (extends the walls of the classroom) Save a teacher time, paperwork, and the hassle of late work (everything is time-stamped in Web 2.0 land) Both student and teacher become more savvy in their use of online resources (from identity security to contributing in an intelligent, responsible, mature manner online) What can a blog potentially do for both the teacher and students in and outside of the physical classroom environment? To name but a few…

Connect quieter, sometimes disenfranchised students

Create discussion beyond class time when students have time outside of class (extends the walls of the classroom)

Save a teacher time, paperwork, and the hassle of late work (everything is time-stamped in Web 2.0 land)

Both student and teacher become more savvy in their use of online resources (from identity security to contributing in an intelligent, responsible, mature manner online)

Objectives for today and the future (potentially): Curiosita: An insatiably curious approach to life and an unrelenting quest for continued learning (first of seven Da Vincian Principles) To better acclimate ourselves with blogs and their potential in the classroom. To begin a dialogue/discussion of what the use of a blog might look like in our classrooms, no matter the age level (K-12) To possibly begin planning , and then eventually implement the use of a blog in some aspect of our teaching, be it a part of a unit, a whole unit, etc., potentially this spring (think baby steps, though!)

To better acclimate ourselves with blogs and their potential in the classroom.

To begin a dialogue/discussion of what the use of a blog might look like in our classrooms, no matter the age level (K-12)

To possibly begin planning , and then eventually implement the use of a blog in some aspect of our teaching, be it a part of a unit, a whole unit, etc., potentially this spring (think baby steps, though!)

Please do the following throughout the presentation: Ask Questions INTERRUPT me Think about how what I share might fit into your own classroom (no matter the discipline or age level) INTERACT – don’t hesitate to split your attention between me and the computer in front of you for related, constructive activity

Ask Questions

INTERRUPT me

Think about how what I share might fit into your own classroom (no matter the discipline or age level)

INTERACT – don’t hesitate to split your attention between me and the computer in front of you for related, constructive activity

A great beginner’s resource:

Blog Examples: A Blog for this Blog Presentation: http://smublogtraining.blogspot.com/ My Blog Page: http://mrayer.blogspot.com/ SMU Blackboard Links: Click here We Teach We Learn Blog: http://www.weteachwelearn.org/ Starting your own Blogger account (through Google) https://www.blogger.com/start

A Blog for this Blog Presentation:

http://smublogtraining.blogspot.com/

My Blog Page:

http://mrayer.blogspot.com/

SMU Blackboard Links:

Click here

We Teach We Learn Blog:

http://www.weteachwelearn.org/

Starting your own Blogger account (through Google)

https://www.blogger.com/start

Stop and Reflect: Considering what I’ve briefly shared here today, and based on some of your prior ideas and/or attempts at using blogs in your own classroom, share one way you could feasibly (reasonably) implement a blog with your students (again, remember baby steps!).

Considering what I’ve briefly shared here today, and based on some of your prior ideas and/or attempts at using blogs in your own classroom, share one way you could feasibly (reasonably) implement a blog with your students (again, remember baby steps!).

For Further Reading: Go to the SMU Blackboard Page to access additional articles in PDF format, including the following: Blog On - Building Communication and Collaboration among Staff and Students (C. Poling, March 2005) Footprints - In the Web 2.0 world, self-directed learners must be adept at building and sustaining networks (W. Richardson, Nov. 2008) Learning with Blogs and Wikis (B. Ferriter, Nov. 2008) The Joy of Blogging (A. Davis, E. McGrail, Mar. 2009) Web 2.0 & You (D. Baumbach, Mar./Apr. 2009) Or go to my resource page, at http://ayersresources.wikispaces.com

Go to the SMU Blackboard Page to access additional articles in PDF format, including the following:

Blog On - Building Communication and Collaboration among Staff and Students (C. Poling, March 2005)

Footprints - In the Web 2.0 world, self-directed learners must be adept at building and sustaining networks (W. Richardson, Nov. 2008)

Learning with Blogs and Wikis (B. Ferriter, Nov. 2008)

The Joy of Blogging (A. Davis, E. McGrail, Mar. 2009)

Web 2.0 & You (D. Baumbach, Mar./Apr. 2009)

Or go to my resource page, at http://ayersresources.wikispaces.com

And now we move to wikis… Keep your questions ready for the discussion session after Wendy’s presentation… Link to Wendy’s wiki page

Keep your questions ready for the discussion session after Wendy’s presentation…

Link to Wendy’s wiki page