The document discusses using blogs in the classroom to expand learning beyond traditional walls. It reviews three articles on the benefits and proper implementation of blogs. The first article finds that blogging can improve writing skills and student interaction when used purposefully. The second highlights a teacher who used blogs to enhance literature discussions, finding improved motivation and engagement. The third stresses teaching civil discourse when using blogs to avoid inappropriate interactions and instead encourage reflection and self-restraint. The conclusion is that integrated technology like blogging can expand learning but must prioritize educational goals and student safety.

1. Expanding the Classroom Walls –
Classroom Blogs
By: Susan Hartley

2. Menu
Click on the number to enter the article discussion.
1 Article One
THE Journal: “The Prose of Blogging (and a Few Cons, Too)”
2 Article Two
Learning & Leading with Technology: “Writing for Real Purpose”
3 Article Three
Learning and Leading with Technology: “Don‟t Feed the Trolls: Using Blogs to Teach Civil Discourse”
4 Conclusion
Expand the classroom.
5 References
Where did these sources come from?

3. Article One
Summary
“The Prose of Blogging (and a Few Cons, Too)” was written by Mr. Rama Ramaswani(2008), a
business and technology writer, The Journal. The article is broken into three sections:
1) Determine if blogging has an effect on student performance.
 Studies have shown that blogging can improve writing skills, frequency and student
interaction
2) Emphasize the need for educators to experiment with different technologies.
 Web 2.0 tools can benefit education but the educator needs to be savvy with the
programs so as to not hinder the effect of learning process.
 Educators and IT administrators should work together to be most effective.
3) Remind educators to “blog with a purpose” and also with caution.
 Technology should not trump the writing process. It should stimulate the desire for
students to be conscious and creative.
 Student safe should always take priority when
dealing with the “menaces of social networking.”
Sites should be secure and not open to spam.
References

4. Article One A-HA
Those A-ha Moments
When reading this article there were specific statements that spoke volumes and grasped the
true essence of the importance of the article:
1) The educational purpose should be more important than the technology itself.
 Principal of Science Leadership Academy, Chris Lehmann states, “We don‟t start out by saying we
want to blog. We say, „We want to do X or Y – what‟s the tool that makes the most sense to use?‟”
2) Studies show positive results to projects integrated with blogging.
 A highlighted study in the Electronic Journal for the Integration of Technology in Education linked
UF pre-service teachers with 3rd-grade students on a research writing project. The students
posted their paper to the blog and would receive guidance and feed back from the teachers.
 The benefits for the students were: improve attitudes towards writing, improved quality of writing
and continued motivation throughout the project.
3) Blogging can help inspire knowledge beyond the intended academic purpose.
 Students improved many computer skills through the use of blogging such as “ proficiency at
keyboarding, formating, conducting internet searches, toggling
between several open programs, ad cutting and pasting content
from the blogs to their presentations.”
References

5. Article One
Personal Reflection
“The Prose of Blogging (and a Few Cons, Too)” was a great article to help show the benefits
that integrating a blog or any form of useful technology into the classroom a can have on
students. I feel that it helps to take away the mundane lesson plan and add in a more hands-
on approach. It forces students to use many different facets of their brain which helps to
synergize the information that they are working with. As noted, in the article I believe that
it is important for the education purpose to take priority at all costs. I also am glad that the
article briefly addressed one of the potential issues with public blogging. It is crucial to have
the students well-being in mind when integrating technology.

6. Article Two
Summary
“Writing for a Real Purpose” was written by Chinwe Ikpeze (2009), an assistant professor
of literacy in NY, for the Learning & Leading with Technology journal. The article highlights
Jon Blain, a 5th grade teacher in the Buffalo, NY public school system who has found a
positive way to integrate the use of blogging through forum posts. He uses these posts to
enhance his literature lessons. He starts with open-ended question about the reading and
urges students to respond with evidence that supports their views. He also pushes students
to create their own threads.
The technology has improved the students‟ motivation and interest in the subject. They were
able to enter the forum from home which allowed them to time to reflect on their answers.
A large motivation factor to take care in this assignment was that their writing was going to
a be reviewed by their peers, giving each student a “voice.”
References

7. Article Two A-HA
Those A-ha Moments
When reading this article there were specific statements that spoke volumes and
grasped the true essence of the importance of the article:
1) “Reading and writing volumes increased” as well as student “engagement and
motivation.”
 It was obvious that the students were excited by the project due to the number of discussions,
including “student-initiated discussions.
2) Real purpose means something to a student.
 The project provided the students an outlet to write their concerns and opinions regarding
specific literature for their peers. It was a real audience that had the ability to comment back
whether they agreed or disagreed with the students view point.
 This arrangement extends beyond the typical teacher-student assessment process.
3) Bogging can provide a student with a “voice.”
 The activity empowered the students to facilitate their level of learning. They were able to
express to their true thoughts without being put on the
spot within the classroom. They had time to think
about what they wanted to say and were able to voice
their opinions with clarity and evidence.
References

8. Article Two
Personal Reflection
I think John Buffalo can be an excellent example for both current and future educators. He
took a literature lesson that has a very traditional style of classroom discussion and explored
a way to help it energize it and his students. He created and environment that not only
challenges his students‟ verbal communication skills but also their written skills. The blog
seems to be fun for the students; much more than just another assignment. John Buffalo had
a positive experience integrating technology into his lesson plans and was willing to share it
with others. It is important for us as educators to look beyond just the traditional and
continue to explore new ways for our students to find excitement in learning. When we do
find ideas that bring success, we too should share with those ideas with everyone in our
profession.

9. Article Three
Summary
“Don‟t Feed the Trolls: Using Blogs to Teach Civil Discourse” was written by Karen
Richardson (2008), regional director for the Virginia Initiative for Technology and
Administrative Leadership. Posted in the Learning & Leading with Technology journal. The
article focuses on the importance of teaching students manners when using real-time
technology. The benefits of blogging are only accessible if students understand that this
technology “requires constant reflection and self-restraint.”
References

10. Article Three
Summary Continued
The specific topics highlighted in the article are as follows:
1) Guidelines of civil discourse.
 Guidelines already exist.
 Ensure students know that personal attacks are never acceptable and the importance of ignoring the
obnoxious people that comment rudely in blogs (aka “trolls”).
2) Review the rules and practice them.
 Discuss the rules with the students to ensure they are understood and encourage daily practice of
the rules.
3) Encourage self-monitoring.
 Students need reflect on their comments before they posts.
 MOOse Crossing code states, “If you think maybe you shouldn‟t do something, you probably
shouldn‟t.”
4) Model civil discourse.
 Educators need to present expected manners as well, in all areas of life.
5) Provide Opportunities
 It is easier for students to learn these behaviors when they have guidance.
References

11. Article Three A-HA
Those A-ha Moments
When reading this article there were specific ideas or statements that stood out:
1) “Blogging provides technical advantages that paper diaries do not.”
 Educators have the ability to link additional content and materials as opposed to citing
them. Students would be more likely to investigate topics further if they do not need
to search for an article or book.
 Blogs allow for feedback from peers.
2) “Incivility is part of the culture of the Web”
 It has become common place for people to use a quick insult as opposed to a “well-
crafted argument. The Web is not exempt from this.
3) Important rule to understand.
 “Realize that what you say and what others think you said may be tow different things.”
I feel patience is a must. Everyone grasps concepts differently so there may be time
further clarification is required. It is essential to not jump to conclusions.
References

12. Article Three
Personal Reflection
Civil discourse resonates well beyond the world of blogging. It is crucial that students
understand there is a proper way to communicate and an unacceptable way to communicate.
I believe that the article is right. Educators are role models for students. Sometimes, they
are one of the few positive influences in a students life. The educator can play an important
role in guiding the student through the acceptable ways of communicating. Instant
communication like blogging is exactly what the student will experience in the „real world.‟
What better time to instill and nourish this quality of good manners in a student than in the
classroom; integrated in a course lessons involving blogs.

13. Conclusion
Expand the classroom.
Integrated technology in the classroom is a helpful tool for an educator and a desired tool
for the student. Blogging can expand the classroom walls and connect the students to the
world. It can exist beyond individual assignments and help an educator stay connected with
students and their parents. It offers opportunities for students to write in an environment
that can have critique and feedback beyond just the teacher. Its practicality fits the „real
world‟ and helps to diminish the large gap between social life and academia. As with all
curriculums, the student and the educational purpose needs to come first and safety must be
adhered at all times. Educators need to experiment with new technology and have a
complete understanding of its benefits and its boundaries before offering to their students.
Keeping this in mind the world of blogging can be wonderful addition to any classroom.

14. References
Ikpeze, C. (2009). Writing for Real Purpose. Learning & Leading with
Technology, 36(7), 36-7. Retrieved from ERIC database.
Ramaswami, R. (2008). The Prose of Blogging (and a Few Cons, Too).
T.H.E. Journal, 35(11), 21-5. Retrieved from ERIC database.
Richardson, K. (2008). Don't Feed the Trolls: Using Blogs to Teach Civil
Discourse. Learning & Leading with Technology, 35(7), 12-15.
Retrieved from ERIC database.