Chapter 3-Weblogs

Ask students if they read or write outside the classroom. They will say no and roll their eyes at you. Then ask them if they ever browse the Web or maintain a blog. Watch the reaction on thier faces; they becaome interested. In Will Richardson's, "Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and Other Powerful Web Tools for the Classroom," he provides a blueprint for merging students' needs to express themselves with thier love for technology. As a teacher, blogger and writer, Richardson sets out to help teachers understand the impact of these technologies in the classroom and in society, as well as providing teachers with information about how to get started using these tools. He hopes to challenge teachers to think about how these technologies will impact what and how we teach. Today's learners are immersed in technology and Richardson suggests we integrate web tools into our teaching which will allow students to reach audiences far beyond our classroom walls. He explains, however, that we must start small. Additionally, teachers should blog to show students that it is something of value and model appropriate ways of doing it. Richardson states that blogs can be used in a variety of ways; a cheaper alternative to course management software, a class portal where the syllabus and assignments are posted and can be accessed by students and parents, and as an online portfolio and place to store and organzie homeowrk. He discusses how blogging can improve reading and writing skills and can be used across the curriculum. Blogs enage readers with ideas and questions, therefore, asking the readers to think and respond. Blogs demand interaction in the form of collaborating with others online which will be beneficial to students. Further, blogs enhance and deepen the learning process because students are learning to read more critically, think more analytically, and write more clearly. Through the use of blogs in the classroom, students are building relationships with peers, teachers and other professionals within the web environment. As a future teacher, it will be important to integrate these technologies into my teaching pedagogy and Richardson has provided me with the blueprint to do this!!