Engaging the 21st Century Learner

November 12, 2010Using Blogs in the Classroom

Today…

This workshop is for teachers who are interested in becoming more familiar with Web 2.0.

Teachers will be introduced to a number of web-based applications and how they can be used with students for a variety of purposes. Participants will be given the opportunity to

experiment with applications, as well as discuss any ethical implications surrounding the use of

such technology.

This was revolutionary…

• Efficient and uniform dissemination of knowledge

• Fueled scientific, political and social change on a scale unlike any other invention in history

Today’s Revolution…

• Social affiliations and networking

• Being online vs. going online

• The web as an application platform

• Digital self-expression; defining and claiming of one’s voice

What’s the difference?

• Our students are contributing to the collective knowledge of cyber space.

The “Read-Write” Web… Huh?

• Contributing, collaborating, creating

• Internet as a extension of the computer desktop

• Not only a source of reading for research or pleasure

• “Publishing” of creative pieces – written or visual

Paradigm Shift…

• Learning is a collaborative, social endeavour.

Who Said It?

“These (new digital) technologies are truly a gift to humanity and we must endeavour to ensure that the benefits they offer are

put at the service of all human individuals and

communities, especially those who are most disadvantaged and

vulnerable.”

BLOGS

Blogs are powerful communication tools. Blogs are powerful publishing tools.

But blogging (the verb) is still much more than

that to me.

Blogging, as in reading and thinking and then

writing, is connecting and learning.

Will Richardson 2006

Limited Only by Your Imagination

• Teachers– Content-related blog as

professional practice – Networking and personal

knowledge sharing – Instructional tips for

students – Course announcements and

readings – Annotated links

• Students –Reflective or writing journals

–Assignment submission and review

–Dialogue for groupwork

–E-portfolios

–Share course-related resources

Why should students blog?

• Encourages students to write

• Communicate through an exciting medium that engages the learner

• Contribute to collective knowledge

• Construct knowledge

• Use a tool that students

know how to use

D.I. and Web 2.0

• Engage the “millenials”

• Capitalize on skills students already have

• Provide choice• Do “real world” work

using “real world tools”

Ultimately…

• There is no need to be afraid!• An excellent opportunity for teacher-student

collaboration• Let students use tools they are familiar with to

the learn the content• Develop marketable technology skills –

especially for female students• Engage boys through hands-on learning• Provide girls with marketable technological

skills

Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy Supported by Web 2.0 Applications

Time to Play!

• Log on to your computer

• Visit this site:

http://blogginginthearts.blogspot.com