Using Blogs in the Classroom

The use of Blogs in the classroom has the potential to be an amazing tool used to facilitate group dialogue and discussion. It is a way for students, teachers and parents to participate in whole class discussion and to be kept up to date on events, assignments and issues that come up. In our Issues class, we talked extensively on how to encourage parents to become more involved in their child's education. The blogosphere is an excellent way for parents to view what is happening in class and communicate directly with teachers even if they do not have time to meet in person or talk over the phone. I also feel that if parents were to become more involved with online class discussions, they will be able to help the teacher keep dialogue civil. Parents would be able to monitor their own child's language, tone and responses if the online discussions became too heated and offensive.
Etiquette guidelines are imperative for children to learn if they are to publicly debate an issue with a fellow classmate. Children are taught how to behave in every other type of social setting, and an online forum should be no different. I am not implying that children should have their ideas censored and made to be sweetened or rethought, but they must be supported with the skills of civil debate and basic respect for every opinion. This is the root of a democratic culture. I really agreed with Karen Work Richardson's point on democratic discussion when she states "Civil discourse forms the foundation of a democratic society. Incorporating blogs into the classroom discourse and curriculum-based learning offers opportunities for students to evaluate and engage in civil discourse."(15)
Each child has a voice, and that voice must be heard and respected by their peers and the adults in their world. Debate and the confidence to state one's own opinion takes much practice and encouragement. An effective 'blogging' teacher will be able to mediate and constructively participate in the dialogue happening with their students. All ideas must be supported, never stifled, and a teacher must also attentively listen to the needs and thoughts of each student.
I really look forward to implementing a blog in my classroom. I hope to teach second grade, so do not know if my students will be at the right developmental level to keep a blog, but I will encourage all parents to use a blog as much as possible to keep up on classroom happenings.

I was really impressed with Mr. Harbeck's Math Class Blog. It showed a real dedication to including all of his students and to responding in a democratic way to all of the questions each child has. This example displayed how teachers can remind their class of upcoming assignments and tests. It also is incredibly helpful for students to read and understand what types of questions other students have about a subject. If one person pipes up with a question, it is likely that a number of other students will have the very same question but are afraid or too confused to ask.
One potential issue I can see happening is a teacher spending too much personal home time to attend to a blog well beyond school hours.