Entry 7: The Power of Blogging

 I believe that the future of the classroom relies in technology. I feel that many teachers are afraid to embrace technology when it comes to the classroom. What does a classroom fully integrated with technology look and feel like? I have seen many teachers use pieces of technology into their classroom such as using apps like Kahoot to inspire student learning but it's not always a smooth transition. The teachers I've been paired up with in the past have stated they only use certain online tools but won't go beyond that. From my experience talking with other teachers, they state that it takes up too much time and the transition between points of the lesson become disjointed. How can we make teachers feel excited by technology and not view it as a hinderance. I believe that one of the best strategies to accomplish this herculean task is blogging. Blogging is not only a process that can be done step by step but it also provides the classroom with tremendous support when it comes to writing. I can see the implementation of blogging in the classroom being the unofficial gateway to technology integration. 

One of the first articles and strategies we mention in our class was about the idea of blogging as a way to craft writing. I would like to spend time on that idea because I believe it can go beyond just motivating students, but teachers as well. I think that if we showcase the benefits of blogging that teachers will be motivated to try this form of technology. Once we get teachers excited about the implications of blogging when it comes to student's writing process, they will be more likely to cross any technology hurdle. I can only think of my own classroom and the excitement I have when we are doing an activity that not only pushes the idea of tech. in class but pushes the students as well. 

I have had my own unique experiences when it comes to blogging in the classroom. I have created a whole final writing project surrounding the idea of blogging. This meant I was able to transform my classroom into a writer's workshop for a couple of weeks as students created their work. I allowed students to write about whatever they liked, as long as it could in someway be connected to the overarching concept of the unit which was community. I also stated that each blog had to have at least one picture and one blog needed to embed a video (one they find or one they made) into a post. These were the only guidelines I created, the rest was for my students to explore. I found that my students really took to the challenge. For example, I was expecting to have to help motivate my students when it came to finding a video for their blog but that was far from the case. My student's jumped at the chance to actually create their own videos and went around the school asking students their thoughts on community. It was great to see my students so excited about a project. I believe part of that excitement was that they were able to use digital tools that they don't often get to use. 

 I feel that even my own work could be seen as an example of this technique. I am actively blogging as I am trying to work through my writing and reading. Students should be able to have the same experience when it comes to their writing. Professors Lacina and Griffith document how blogging can impact students by suggesting that "bloggers become mindful of and connected to their audience, and they learned to take ownership of the writing process" (2012, p.316). If we break down this quote by Lacina and Griffith, you can see many important concepts when it comes to teaching kids writing. I feel that my students are proof of this process. My class felt a certain type of ownership over their work and it caused them to be invested in the writing process. It never hurts to try and incorporate the writing process into the classroom with different techniques. I think the idea of blogging when guidelines are created can be really useful. By taking the step to have students start their own blog you are building their knowledge of the writing process and technology. 

We need to make sure we are at least trying to incorporate technology into the classrooms. One of the ways in which this can be achieved is through blogging. We can take this form and truly use it to our advantage when it comes to teaching the writing process. We truly have an opportunity to merge technology with teaching. I think we should take the chance!