Let's Take this Conversation Outside: Using Web 2.0 to Enhance Communication

Hello Everyone. I thought that I would share my notes for Joanna's presentation. She did a great job and the following are some of her main ideas along with some of the things that I thought of during her presentation. If you have any questions or additional ideas, please post to the forum. Thanks

Let's Take this Conversation Outside: Using Web 2.0 to Enhance Communication
Presented by: Joanna Gillespie

Thoughts about blogging- How do you keep it safe?
Some programs are set up whereas instructor can preview post prior to publishing. Some have kids email to instructor and then instructor will upload. Some just allow to upload and take there chance- never been abused and if so has a record of who and when. Comments can be deleted if hurtful or off color. Can be closed looped with students only. If parents want to see- they log on using their kids account.

Where can kids blog from?
School
Home
Library

Why would a teacher use a blog?
A wealth of information for parents. Answer to question- What did you do at school today? Nothing..
(important dates, on line resources, etc) rss feed

student accountability- Student "to do" list. No excuses

blogs as assignments- date/time stamped, cant lose them. Easy to manage = teacher needs to backup on a regular basis

Easy student/parent/teacher reference

Easy for students that miss school

Relationships and community was positive and grew. Groups in different classes were able to connect.

Critical thinking and writing- can be higher level – allows for differentiation. Teacher posts a blog- assignment is for students to respond with opinion for an assignment. Rubric used for grading. Standard HW Grade.
.
Creativity-Free form learning- share personal interests, sites, media

Developing a writers voice- not always as formal, but sometimes more realistic, personal, and clear. Not everything graded- some just writing for the sake of writing and sharing opinions. Most of the time a teacher can tell the writing style of each students- avoids artificial log ins.

Connections for understanding- Developing new thoughts, sharing perspective

Authentic Audience- Sometimes kids put more effort into things that could be seen by peers and parents

Collective and collaborative learning- Work communally and asynchronously on projects.

Can use as a hook to linked content- Ex. Blog on the role of the internets impact on society. Link to genesis of Internet 40 years ago.

Lay out ground work prior first posts. Rules and plagiarism.

http://googleblog.blogspot.com