Using Blogs in the Classroom

More and more teachers are beginning to use blogs in the classroom. One teacher in San Diego uses a blog for her students to communicate with students in China. This allows her students to talk to people from the country of the actual language that they are learning. Benefits of this program include improved language skills and making new friends. There may also be the possibility of some of the students making contacts to possibly visit overseas one day.
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Another elementary school teacher in Blacksburg uses blogs at his school to get teachers, staff, students, and parents posted on what’s going on at their school. He has even posted a calendar of upcoming school events. This, I think could be very beneficial. For those parents that have internet access and a child that rarely brings home parents bulletins, this idea could work out great. It gives everyone the opportunity to go and check things out on their own at any time they feel.
http://david.carter-tod.com/wp/2006/09/19/my-kids-school-using-blogs-and-google-calendar/

I notice that other classrooms are really looking to computers more often to replace what is missing or that they are not able to get in the regular classroom. I feel as though this is a healthy venture for any educator to go on. Websites such as ALEX and ACCESS are being put into play In order to enhance student’s learning capabilities.
One can only learn as much as they are offered and in this case, with new technologies emerging every day, students are being given endless possibilities. Some teachers use the new technologies to teach their children new languages. Other teachers use the new technology to learn about other cultures. And others may just use it to enhance what they may already be teaching in the classroom. Whatever the case may be, new technologies are looking to be a very positive force on education.