In classrooms across the globe, teachers and students are using Internet blogging to communicate and share information internationally. According to the Moturoa Classroom site http://moturoa.blogspot.com/, "We are a class of Four and Five (grades) children from Nelson, the top half of the South Island of New Zealand. We are learning to communicate with other people around the world and love to get comments from all over the place". The blogs are based on the traveling experiences of teacher Allanah K and friends (to include a red and white baby hippo-like creature named Mini-Dylan). The posts contain much information about historical sites - especially in such places as Ireland, England, and Thailand. The site also contains a podcast, math game links, and links to reading activities - as well as links to other web logs and podcasts.
According to the 5Nt.Ca site http://grade5nt.edublogs.org/, "Our blog is a journal of what's going on in our classroom. It's also a place for students to individually express themselves. We'll also use it to share what we have created (i.e. writing, art, science experiments, etc.)". The blog site features comments and information about the happenings within Mr. Toft's 5/6NT class (a total of 31 students), as well as a calendar of events and various other sections (such as "Book Recommendations", "Subject Links", and "Translate Our Blog"). The site also features an "Agenda" section (to help remind students and parents of homework, projects, etc.). Mr. Toft and his students are from A. Lorne Cassidy Elementary School. The school is located in Stittsville, Ontario, Canada.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for including us in your research. In my opinion, one of the key things in blogging is adding something new to the conversation. When leaving a comment, you need to let the author of the blog that you've considered what they are saying and then add your opinions. This is a challenge with my ten year old students but a critical skill to keep working on. They need to know that they have a voice and that other people are listening to what they have to say.
Hats off to your professor for designing the course the way he has. It looks fascinating. You might be interested in two other sites I and my colleague maintain:
www.portableradio.ca
This is a regular podcast made by two classes at my school
www.portablepd.ca
This is professional development site on integrating tech (mainly blogs and podcasts) in the classroom.
We'd love to hear what you and your colleagues think. Add to the conversation. My students would be thrilled to receive comments from college students who have taken the time to read or listen to what they have to say and write back.
Thanks for including us in your list of interesting class blogs.
ReplyDeleteMini-Dylan has his feelings hurt though as he is actually a little Welsh dragon. LOL
Keep up the great blogging.
AllanahK