The Classroom

Technology in the Classroom

Using technology in the classroom proves to be another tool that students can use to publish the results of classroom editing and further, to take the assessment process to broader arenas. In regards to our global community, this demonstrates how close at hand we have resources to further our learning and audiences to appreciate the work done in our schools. Blogging and podcasting have definitely become this link to the bigger picture and are another way to unite students, teachers and parents in the education of our children.

What is a blog?

According to Wikipedia, an on-line encyclopedia (http://wikipedia.org) “a blog is a website where entries are made in journal style and displayed in a reverse chronological order.” While not an assessment strategy in and of itself, in a school/classroom environment a blog can be used to provide many varied assessment opportunities.

Why use a blog?

Students can easily publish samples of their work (either written or images) online and with the comment feature enabled other students can peer assess the project. Using the same set up, assessment/comments can be made by parents, other educators and/or the general public at large. Depending on how you set up your blog these comments can be public or private and you can even limit who can comment on a piece of work. The opportunity to have their work viewed & commented on by a variety of audiences enhances the assessment feedback to a Level far beyond the four walls of the classroom, while acting as amazing motivational tool to help students focus on their work.

Students can also use the blog for self assessment/reflection. This type of online journaling was the original purpose of the blog. Activities such as goal setting and weekly reflections take on new meanings for students when they know these items will be shared with a larger group.

A blog is a perfect environment to teach students about presentation and audience. Because it is a public form the student must be able to make a conscience decision as to what would be appropriate for this form, and to consider how it might be viewed by the public at large. This being said, most blogs are only viewed by people who are invited to know about its existence. While the possibility of public viewing exists, it is rare that such events happen, unless the site is aggressively advertised on other sites.

Because the blog is just a tool for publication, any of your favourite assessment strategies can still be used. It also becomes a repository for exemplars that can be used in subsequent lessons, and to help teachers/students in other classes.

How do you create a blog?

To create a free blog you can use the services provided by Wordpress (http://www.wordpress.com) or Google (http://www.blogger.com). Both sites offer free web hosting and blogging tools, each with their own pros and cons. We personally recommend Wordpress as it has built in link tools, as well as the ability to create categories for your posts (great for setting up separate sections for each student and/or assignment). If you are braver, and have a webhost that allows you to use MySQL databases, you and download and install your own free and fully customizable version of Wordpress from http://www.wordpress.org.

Examples of classroom blogs can be found at:

http://www.bobsprankle.com/blog/
http://meyokumin.ca/class

What is a podcast?

If you have the webspace a blog can be extended with a podcast. As defined by Wikipedia “Podcasting is the method of distributing multimedia files, such as audio or video programs, over the Internet… [and] is distinguished from other digital audio formats by its ability to be downloaded automatically using software capable of reading feeds.” In short it’s an online radio show.

Why do podcasting?

By having students write, proof, evaluate and produce their own podcast, a whole new way of looking at fluency and voice is created. Students gain an appreciation for the publishing process and an awareness of presentation in an oral format.

How do you create a podcast?

There are many great resources on the web to help you easily create a podcast. The Guru of classroom podcasts, Bob Sprankle, has created a blog which takes you step by step through the process (http://www.bobsprankle.com/bitbybit_wordpress/)

What is a Wiki?

According to Wikipedia (one of the best known wikis) a wiki is a type of website that allows the visitors themselves to easily add, remove and otherwise edit and change some available content, sometimes without the need for registration. This ease of interaction and operation makes a wiki an effective tool for collaborative authoring.

Why Use a Wiki?

Using a Wiki allows students to work jointly on a project, allowing them to create and edit projects – even if they can’t be together. Students from other classes, or even other schools can collaborate on a project, and make it the best it can be. Teachers can gain access to free wikis at WikiSpaces.

What do I need to consider before using online tools?

A student’s privacy and safety is always of paramount importance. Teachers must have informed written consent from every student’s parents prior to their participation in a public tool. Names should be restricted to first names only – and any photos should be in groups of three or more. So long as all precautions are taken blogs and wikis are a wonderful way to motivate student and gives them a public forum to publish their work. Fast, easy, fun, motivational, and free! What could be better then that?