Yes I am finding information and resources that I will need to help my students explore real world issues. I like the idea of using mapping tools to make concept maps about issues they would like to try and work to solve. I will continue to always change the processes if need be. Can I do group blogging? I would like to do group blogging and then blogging between groups. See if any new and improved ideas will come from it. Just have to keep assessing what is going on and monitor and adjust on the fly.
keep it real homies
Hi Joe,
ReplyDeleteI think group blogging should work really well--having a smaller group to interact with should ensure that more students get responses to their postings---and may provide a greater comfort level for "print shy" individuals who might be a little intimidated by participation in a very larger group (although ultimately the blog would be open to other groups.)
If you are having students blog about an issue, you can have "pro" and "con" groups and then have groups post to each other's blog postings, forming an online debate. (I would just watch this very carefully if I were doing this because some students get overly involved and may need help sharing thoughts respectfully.)
Many valuable learning gains can grow from blogging.
Susan
Joseph- I am also going to set up blogs for my students. I think it will be a great learning experience and something they will enjoy. Also, "adjusting on the fly", as you say, is something we all need to do on a daily basis. Good luck on your game plan.
ReplyDeleteJoe,
ReplyDeleteSounds like your GAME plan is going well. The idea of group blogging could work really well. What about blogging with a group of people from another school? If the students are blogging about a particular topic the students could take sides in debate form.
Joe, what online resources have you found for developing student friendly concept maps. I'm always curious about new sites. Sometimes certain sites tend to be more student friendlier than others. An alternative for blogging that you could use for smaller group interactions is TodaysMeet. This is a private chat room you can set up and students can discuss the topics you have given them. If you want to keep the groups small, you could set up several chat rooms. Once the time is up, you can print a transcript of the student discussion. You might find this another option besides blogging.
ReplyDeleteI like to use Webspiration.com or Spicynodes.com. They are fun.. Thank you for letting me know about todaysmeet. That sounds like its right up my ally. I will check into it. Thanks
ReplyDeleteJoe
Keep it real homies!