K-12 Classroom blog usage in the U.S.

Technology has grown in a considerable amount over the years. The students going to school at this day and time are way further advance when it comes to these new technologies than those students twenty, or even ten years ago. Many teachers, grades K-12, are trying to come up with new ways to stay connected with their students and also ways to keep them entertained while still learning. The computer has become almost a necessity and the internet is its runner up. A personal student blog is something new schools have been using in the classroom to retrieve the work and progress of their students. A blog can be seen as like a personal network for the classroom. The student can post their work and the teacher can keep track of it through the posting date and times. The other students are also allowed to read the work of others. This not only helps the other students come up with new ideas but to give their fellow students feedback on their posted work.

While surfing the internet I came across a blog used by a 5th grade class in Detroit, Michigan. The teachers name is Mr. Ambrose. He sees his class blog as a way to keep parents and students updated and connected from class and home. On the blog Mr. Ambrose tells the students everything they need to know about the class. He has many different categories in which to choose from. Parents and students have access to the blog. He posts important dates, assignments, rules, fundraising events and games the students can play for practice. For example this week his class will begin a unit on the solar system. He lists step by step what the students need to know and will know by the time the unit is over. From what I can tell Mr. Ambrose keeps his blog very up to date. He seems like the kind of teacher that not only wants to keep the students informed but also the parents which is very important to most. Mr. Ambrose is taking advantage of blogging in the classroom in a very positive way. To take a look and maybe get some ideas for your future classroom check out Mr. Ambrose’s class blog at http://www.classofambrose.blogspot.com.html/.

The next class blog on the web I checked out was a 4th grade class in San Diego, California. The teacher of the class is Mr. Kootman. When first clicking on the blog I noticed how colorful and user friendly it was. Mr. Kootman tells the parents and students all about himself, where he has been in his life and where he plans to go. He posts his weekly newsletters on the blog so everyone will be informed of upcoming events. He allows a different student to write on the blog each day to describe that day and all the activities done in room 40. Mr. Kootman then allows the other students to review the post and give their opinion. He uses this feedback as constructive criticism. In my opinion I think the way that the blog of class 40 involves all the parent is a great way to create a positive atmosphere in Mr. Kootmans 4th grade class. If you would like to learn more about his class blog you may go to http://www.kootmansclass.com/blogs.html.

I think these two blogs were great examples to look at if you are interested in uing a blog in your classroom. Both of these teachers were similar in that they were very concerned with parent involvement which I think is great. I am sure that I will be taking great advantage of using a blog in my future classroom to stay connected with my students. Another great website to look at for information about blogging that I enjoyed reviewing is http://www.supportblogging.com/.