Ok, it's one little baby step.
Last night, the students read "The Veldt," by Ray Bradbury and wrote a short reaction to the story in their blog. I had just introduced the blogs two days ago, helped them set up an account, and showed them how to post.
I had spent time commenting on each of their posts as they popped up online last night and this morning, but I still wondered if this would work as I had hoped.
"So, I've read your posts about the story. Some of you said you were confused and others nailed the idea about technology and alienation. Would anyone like to share a post?" I asked
A minute of quiet, and then one student said:
"No, but I was reading Aaron's, and I think he's got some great ideas!"
"You were reading Aaron's?" I asked, smiling. Aaron is in another section of English, but this student had decided to browse other blogs. He'd found one he thought grasped the theme.
"Absolutely," I said. "Let's take a look at Aaron's and then we'll share some of yours."
I love this. Reading, sharing….now I just need to remind them to comment on Aaron's post!!
It's a beginning.
SC-
That is so wonderful. Those moments are pure gold. Thank you for sharing that.
-Skip
Thanks, Skip. I’m enjoying putting into practice some of the ideas that have been rolling around in my head for a couple of years!
Susan,
I have been reading your blog since the VAIS retreat a few months ago and am encouraged to use blogs with my teachers and students…I feel I am so way behind the times sometimes. Anyway, my quetion/s are…
-What tool do you use for your student blogs? Is it secure? I am up against admin that want to make sure that our kids are safe using blogs and I have to battle with them not understanding the richness of a read/write web.
– What type of lesson do you do with yor students prior to launching the blog? Blog etiquette…etc.?
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Great questions, Melissa. I will post about this topic as soon as I get my thoughts together. Thanks for asking…