Group Task

Blog assignment - Katie and Lana

Knowledge:

1. Keeping parents informed

2. Homework/handouts online

3. Discussion groups 

Comprehension:

1. Get parents involved in a meaningful way in the classroom

2. Allow for differentiated instruction - way to get students involved who might not normally participate in the classroom

3. Extend learning beyond the classroom - Allow students to post what they have learnt during class discusions/ ask questions/ discuss with each other etc. 

Application 

1. Self-reflection - to improve your teaching

2. Collegiality (Jay's mot cle "key word") - can share tips/ ideas/ resources with one another

3. Keep up to date and organized - efficiency - easier to update = time can be used to improving lessons and making sure they are not static

Analysis

100% YES! Static websites are more of a one way communication. It is just a more high tech form to lecture. The students are not involved in this scenario. Blogs open up dialogue and is a way to provide a learning community (which may not always happen in the classroom due to time constraint) It allows the students to collaborate with and reflect upon the information. They are more able to control their own learning as it focuses on the process. 

Synthesis 

I think blogging allows teachers to have more of a facilitator role. Blogs can extend learning beyond the classroom and give the students a more active role into their learning. In the classroom it is as if the teacher controls the flow of information and imparts knowledge on to the students. Blogging would allow for more scaffolding as knowledge would be constructed as a group. It does not flow in one direction, but rather it is discussed, interpreted and negotiated amongst everyone. I also think teachers would be amazed at the insight it would provide into their students. You could begin to prepare lessons more in tune with their interests and capabilities within the classroom. 

Evaluation

1. cut and paste discussion - overuse of sources - lack of original thought

2. time consuming / waste of time - if not for educational purposes 

3. hard to control - may get out of hand ex) cyber-bully / inappropriate posts