Journal 9

Reynard, Ruth (October 2008). Avoiding the 5 most common mistakes in using bogs with Students. The Journal, Retrieved December 2, 2008, from http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23434

This article is about the use of blogs within the classroom. Teachers need to tell the students the context in which the tool is being used so that the students will understand the benefit of what they are learning. In this way teachers need to make sure using the blog will flow with what they are doing in the course to make sure the students get the most out of it. Teachers need to be aware of unclear learning outcomes, or the potential of using the blog tool may not be realized. The blog should be used as an individual publication that way the students can post but no one else would be able to contribute to the material. Also the teacher should have very clear grading rubrics for the student’s blogs so they know what their work is being evaluated on. Teachers also need to be aware of giving their students enough time to do their work on the blog. If all of these things are done students should get the maximum learning out of using blogs within their classrooms.

1. What kind of comments should the teacher make about a students blog?

All the comments made should be supportive and constructive. That way the students are able to maintain the interest and keep making their self-publications on the blog. As well as participate in class discussions and feel comfortable enough to keep posting.

2. What kind of rubric should be in place for grading blogs?

The teacher should have a very clearly stated rubric in place so the students know what is expected of their blog before they begin to write it. This will help the students to understand what they are learning and apply it in a practical context. The students will be confident in what they are doing and know what they are supposed to be learning.