Journal 9

Reynard, Ruth. "Avoiding the 5 Most Common Mistakes in Using Blogs with Students." T.H.E. Journal 10 2008 29 Oct 2008 http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23434.

Ruth Reynard makes a list in this article of the five most common issues that arise from using blogging within the classroom. The first issue is "ineffective contextualization", which is basically, not expressing how this is going to benefit the students to the students. If you are not clear about hwo and why the students are going to use the blog, they will be even less clear, and much less likely to jump on board. Teachers need to plan out when in the course they will utilize a blog, and how the students will need to do this. The second issue is "unclear learning outcomes." Essentially, teachers need to be aware of both course outcomes and learning outcomes. Reynard believes the blogs can help with analysis, synthesis, new ideas, and application of all three. The third issue is "misuse of the environment." A blog is like a journal, not a discussion board. Therefore, we do need to comment on the students' blogs so they know we are listening to them, but at the same time, our comments need to be supportive and not intrusive. If we get too involved in their thinking, students will back off from posting. The fourth issue if "illusive grading practices." The students need to be shown exactly how the teacher will be grading each blog, so they are aware of the rules and guidelines. Also, they need to be taught why you are grading the blogs. Because blogs are like journals, it is hard for students to be completely honest while they know they are going to be graded on their thoughts. The last issue is "inadequate time allocation." All students learn differently, and may need more or less time to become acquained with the use of technology, especially when it comes to assignments they are going to be graded on.

1. Which of these issues do you feel would be the biggest one in your classroom and why?

I think the biggest issue that could come forth in my classroom is the "illusive grading practices." I would need to make an exact outline of how my grading will work, because I would not want my students to think I am grading them based on their personal opinions. Rather, I would be grading them on their analysis, their ability to go beyond the obvious, and the presentation of their thoughts. I would provide a sample blog so students could see what an ideal blog should look like.

2. Would you use a blog in your class? Why or why not?

I am not sure if I would use a blog, but I do think I would create a blog for the class as a whole, so parents could have access to information about our class. However, I'm not sure if I would require all my students to create a blog. If I did, I would use it as an extra credit assignment. I would have them create a blog and reflect on different lessons or readings within the class. Based on the number of posting, and degree of reflection, I would give extra credit points accordingly.