How can I use a Blog in my Class?

When I mention blogging as part of the classroom, many educators have difficulty imagining how they could integrate the tool into their curriculum.  Below is a list of blogs to demonstrate how other educators are using blogs, with differences in blog content and blog audience.  I highly suggest reviewing some of the blogs listed below as they might spark ideas on how you could use a blog.  Please feel free to add to the list by commenting below.

Classroom Blogs:

• Mr. Wolfe’s Fourth Grade Blog – Features student pairs reporting on what they did in class that week. Features pictures and multiple comments for each post.  Notice this blog is geared more toward those outside of the classroom whether it be parents or students from other schools.
• Small Town Tech – Features technology projects done in a small school district at an Elementary level.  This Technology Integration Specialist embeds many of the projects she does right to the blog.  Allows parents to see what their child is doing in school as well as give other educators great lesson ideas.
• Woodster’s Blog – Travis Wood, fourth grade teacher at Northside Elementary, began blogging with his students last year.  Each student has their own blog connected through the main Woodster’s Blog.  Assignments/prompts are posted on the main blog page and students respond on their personal blogs.
• Miller’s English 10 Blog – This blog is used as a hub for homework. The teacher provides homework prompts and students comment. Also provides links to other important sites, class calendar, and slideshows.
• Extreme Biology Blog – Edublog Award winning blog. Students contribute to the blog, write about a scientific topic and pose a question to their fellow students at the end of the post. Comments revolve around the question posed.
• A Daily Dose of Digital Photography – Each Photography student takes a turn at posting a photo while the rest of the class critiques the work. Each student also has their own blog (listed in the blogroll) which is utilized as a portfolio.

Resource Blogs:

• Free Resources From the Net for (Special) Education – Focuses on technology for those interested in special education and assistive technology
• Links to School Blogs – This isn’t actually a blog, but a wiki listing numerous links to blogs broken down into different categories. Great resource when trying to find different ways to blog.
• ICT in my Classroom – Great resource for educators interested in learning how to involve technology in their lessons.