The world of blogging is new to me, very new. I had heard of blogs before but until starting a recent class, I had not given blogging much thought personally or professionally. After doing a good deal of reading, watching videos, and viewing what others have done with blogs I think I am ready to give it a try.
This new found knowledge of mine has come at an opportune time. I teach a seventh grade pre-engineering class.As a part of the class, students form groups for a design project. This year, students researched desk organizers on the internet to get design ideas. They interviewed adults to determine the style, size, and design requirements each had when purchasing a desk organizer. From the data they compiled, the group designed and built an original organizer. Since the project is based on adult wants and needs in an organizer, I wanted the students to present their organizers to an adult audience. Each rotation had been more difficult than the last to get adults to appear for the presentations. The teachers available first hour found it harder to come to the presentations due to other obligations during that time. This was discouraging for the students and me. Blogging offers an interesting alternative.
Through podcasting and blogging, students could open their presentations to a large audience. Adults throughout the corporation, community, and Purdue University Partnership Group, could be invited to watch the individual podcasts and through a blog give the students feedback on their product at their convenience. In addition, students could document their experience and offer advice to upcoming students.
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Dianne,
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to get adults to come out to a function-it's so hard for most to get off work and when they get home they are tired and/or filled with other "priority" engagements. Blogging and other media would be a great way for parents/others to see what the students are working on and comment to it-Though, being there in person would mean more and they would be able to have a better concept of the project. Yet, at the same time, the communication among students about their projects would be beneficial in coming up with ideas, solving problems, and etc. and not take up class time.
I think using blogging and pod casting is a very innovative way to solve this problem. Time is such a precious commodity, so even though the adults really want to support these students, it is often difficult to get out of work for the meetings, especially in today’s work environment where people fear losing their job. Providing their presentations on the internet will provide a more convenient forum for your adult audience just as sending someone an email (which you can do at any hour of the day) is easier than calling someone. It also gives the students exposure to the new Web2.0 technologies and it gives them a place to chronicle the process. How many hours to you anticipate it will take for you to implement this? How many classroom hours to you think you will need to teach them the new technology?
ReplyDeleteI have talked with my new rotation of students about this idea and they seem very excited. I explained to them this approach is a brand new idea and they would have to help me as much as I will be helping them. I foresee this taking a great amount of class time but some students are already asking if they can come after school to work as well. The students immediately offered names of other students we might want to use as a resource because of UTube experience they have. It will be a big learning curve but I hope by the end of the year I will have learned enough to make the time and teaching more efficient for next year.
ReplyDeleteI think your idea was wonderful. Not only could you reach adults around you but the students also reached out to others in different places ans parts of the country. I am sure this was probably a great learning experience for the students. How did it go for you?
ReplyDeleteI think you are onto something here. So many times there is not enough time in the day for people to do everthing they want to do. By using a blog and pod casting you would allow adults or even students to experience the presentation in this case without having to move from their current location. It would also allow the students to a new experience and teach them about communicating with others without it having to be face to face. Nice idea!
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone with being new to blogging! I am searching for a better understanding and some experience with blogging, especially in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI noticed your comment about timing. As I teach in a technology school with 1 to 1 laptops, I find myself in the just in time situation too! I have always considered myself very versed in technology but recently have begun to feel new, lost and in need of training. Thank goodness I have a 12 year son who is more than willing to share his tech knowledge with me.