As a classroom teacher, I believe that creating and using a classroom blog is an excellent idea and has numerous benefits not only for the teacher, but for the students as well. I believe that a classroom blog will work well for students because it will help to assist them to become more ICT literate which is an important 21st century skill. Creating and using blogs in the classroom is an effective forum for collaboration (providing a space where teachers and students can work to further develop writing or other skills with the advantage of an instant audience) and discussion (opens the opportunity for students to discuss topics outside of the classroom). I see blogging as a powerful tool that enables scaffolded learning or mentoring to occur. Also, it will be highly motivating to students especially those who otherwise might not be classroom participants. It will give them a chance to express themselves and this will help them to become better writers and feel more confident about themselves. This blog will be used to post any homework or assignments given in class, tests, revision guides, games pertaining to a particular topic and any link that would cater for the visual learners just to name a few. Any feedback or questions that students have can be posted on my blog and I will respond to them in a timely manner. Parents can also view their child's profile to see what is going on (i.e. if they are given homework, assignments, quiz, etc.). By creating a classroom blog, students will be able to interact with their peers by writing on each other's blog and this would help to improve their reading and communication skills.
Ms. Josiah's classroom blog will be EDUCATIONAL, INTERACTIVE, LIVELY, and FUN!!!!
