snichols' blog reflection

ECOMP 5004
Scott Nichols

Reflection on Blogging—

I have used blogs in my classroom for years. I have tried different variations of student participation. One of the hardest things that I have found about doing blogs is that you have to continue with them throughout the class. If you drop it after awhile and move on to other things it can easily negate the work you and the students have put into it. I also find it very difficult to use as there are many of students that do not have computer and/or internet access at home. I have to ensure that they can access it in my class time which can take away from the other assignments that they have to do in my class. I am trying to incorporate blogging time in one of my classes which is Contemporary World Studies and I am also an advisor for the student newspaper (The Woodsville Whistler-which you can view at www.thewoodsvillewhistler.com ). I am planning on having the students write articles and then I will have other students in the class read the articles and make comments on them. I found this week’s assignment fun and a very good icebreaker as you have to great to know how the other person thinks. I know mine was kind of weird and Sabina did a great job on putting a picture to my description. I can’t wait until she sees my inspiration for my monster! I think this also offers an opportunity to extends the learning beyond the classroom. I will try to remember the philosophy in the article Blogs Are Not the Enemy that blogs are not just about the writing assignment, but about conversations between students, teachers, parents and the community.