Every educator knows that the first year of teaching can be the most stressful. It is the time when you put into practice all the concepts, strategies and management ideas that you have identified in the courses you took to complete your degree. As such, it is essential that you have an outlet to help 'work' the inevitable frustrations out. Why not consider blogging? Instead of journaling in a book, create a blog and share your experiences. The major advantage with this is that you will have others respond to your thoughts, feelings and experiences which will enhance your blogging. In looking back on my first year, I now wish I had this tool; it would have been wonderful to be able to express myself and have other educators, or just people in general, respond or share their own ideas and opinions. However, as an English teacher, I envision using blogs to expand the classroom learning. For example, we are reading a class novel and I would love to include blogs to expand not only the classroom discussion but also the students' critical thinking through expanded assignments such as reflections and essential questioning; this would allow the students to share their work not only with their classmates but also with their school mates, family and friends connecting their learning to the real world. According to Zawilinski (2009), broading the audience for student writing and thinking, providing a space for collaborating outside of the typical classroom discussion, problem solving on the Internet and learning to communicate safely--all can be developed within the context of blogs. It would be another way to incorporate web 2.0 tools to address learning in the 21st Century. If effectively done, how wonderful would that be?
Zawilinski, L. (2009). HOT Blogging: A Framework for Blogging to Promote Higher Order Thinking. Reading Teacher, 62(8), 650-661. http://search.ebscohost.com
@Kaye,
ReplyDeleteNice blog on the practical use of blogs for both new teachers and seasoned teachers looking to expand their classroom instruction with out of class learning connections. Our students spend so much time on the Internet as it is, why not push for valid, educational opportunities through blogging. I had this same discussion with a colleague of mine and she was concerned with the "freedom" students may have to post inappropriate comments or material for all to see. My reply was they have to be invited to participate in the blog and they must have a valid email address (traceable) to post so any undesirable content can be dealt with. Thanks for your post.
How wonderful indeed. I love the idea of many experienced teachers mentoring a new teacher through blogging. I also believe that you can use it as a way for students to respond to required reading. They will step up if given the guidelines and if they know parents, teachers and others in general will have access to what they write. Great post.
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