Reflections on Blogging
November 22, 2009Describe your blogging experience in this course. Do you think you will continue using your blog? Why or why not?
I doubt that I will continue to use my blog established as part of this course. I found it easier to use the Forum in this course for dialoguing with my classmates. I do see where there is a place for blogging on my own website, especially for my students and their parents. But I would envision the blogging to be only one aspect of my website.
What did you learn about yourself and your abilities or interests in Math or Algebra?
I have always enjoyed math … learning it, doing it, and teaching it. What I learned though, is that there are so many more resources and tools available for math teachers today than 15 years ago.
Did you learn or discover anything you found particularly interesting through your course actives or your own internet research? Describe one interesting discovery and why you found it fascinating.
I enjoyed exploring the various websites that have math applets that can be used in the classroom with the students. I even found an applet for downloading onto an ipod touch or iphone on “number lines.” I downloaded this onto my own ipod touch, and sure enough, as soon as my younger daughter found it, she started playing with it.
Do you think you will use journals with your students? Do you think you will use blogs? Why or why not?
I know for certain that I will incorporate journaling in my classroom. I have found that journaling is a wonderful way to see into our students’ minds and to use that as a means for guiding my future lessons. I will have to think about the use of blogs. First, know that I am putting aside for now the issue of internet safety and school regulations. Blogging pro – students love using technology and they may be more willing to blog than to journal. Blogging cons – feedback to student is more public and may not be wanted. Blogging is not as conducive for drawing diagrams/pictures; while this can be done it takes significant time on the part of the blogger. Accessing, reviewing, and providing feedback on blogs is more time consuming for me as a teacher.
Barb,
It is mind boggling how many resources are available. It never ceases to amaze me! There seem to be more added all the time so it is important to share resources with others and to constantly remain on the outlook for new ones.
Judy
I’m with you, I liked communicating via the forum as well. I would like more instruction on how to blog b/c I think it could be great, but for me it was a nightmare.
Barb, I agree that the forum was easier to use than the blog. Maybe if the blog links were somehow built into the program it would be easier to get to. Logging into another program was not quite as easy. The resources are awesome. I especially like the NLVM resources. SInce my students do not have graphing calculators this is a great resource to use to show them the changes in graphs.
I definitely agree with your comment about the course forum being easier to use than the blog. I too see myself using something like a forum with my class, but not necessarily the blog. Most of the material that I included on there, I could include on my district web page.
Barb,
I love how you downloaded the applet on your iphone. My kids are always playing with my phone. You have been a great resource. Thanks!
Tracy
I agree with Tracy, the i-pod applet is a great idea! I also agree with the blogging pros and cons that you listed.
~Elizabeth
Thank you all. I hope your holidays are joyous and leave you refreshed and ready for the second half of the academic year! Peace, hope, and joy, Barb