Model Blogs of the Classroom Variety

When I was looking around for good examples of classroom blogs that I might use as a model for a future classroom of my own. I started my search by looking on a website that supports the use of blogging by teaching professionals in their classrooms with their students (if you are interested, click here). There were many options to choose from when creating a Do's and Don'ts list for classroom blogging. One my favorite examples of a classroom blog came from a fifth grade classroom and was constructed on edublog. I liked this blog and layout because it was very organized with its many different pages that made it clear to those not involved with the class as to where they could go to locate information. Also, I enjoyed how the students were able to post their own thoughts when it came to their SSR assignments, but best of all, there was teacher feedback for each comment; this showed how this blog was not only a teacher run project, but a student to student interaction. To view this blog click: Ms. Mercer's Classroom Website

I knew when I started looking at examples of classroom blogs that these were goals that I had in mind for not only the final project for this class, but a goal for my future classroom. Technology, especially easily accessible technology such as websites and blogs, are valuable to add to the classroom dynamic because it is another manipulative that can aid learning and also develop a true classroom community. I feel that blogs are a tool that can be accessed by parents and other faculty members that illustrates what students are doing all day in my classroom. Also the blog such as the one for Ms. Mercer's classroom allow students to contribute thoughts about books and showcase work and projects. Ultimately I would like to have a blog such as this for my classroom so that it might give voice to those who in a traditional setting have a difficult time being heard and as an opportunity to bring outside technology interests into the classroom dynamic.