Journal 3

Five Don'ts of Classroom Blogging
By Julie Sturgeon

In this article, Julie not only discusses the value of classroom blogging but five things you should not do in classroom blogging. They are as follows:

1. "Don't just dive in." Make sure the students know the guidelines you have set in place ahead of time and know the consequences for breaking those rules.

2. "Don't confuse blogging with social networking." This is an educational blog--not a socializing time like is done on MySpace, etc. and it is necessary for the teacher to keep the focus on academic collaboration.

3. "Don't leap at the freebies." Many blog sites are free but have numerous advertisements that are very tempting for students to click on. Julie sites other alternatives to Blogger.com and TypePad.com.

4. "Don't force a sequential style." Allow students the freedom to create and blog by topic, not time.

5. "Don't leave the blogging to the students." Julie encourages the teachers to create their own blog as well and post things about class and their students to encourage all students to share opinions.

What can a teacher do to ensure the class is serious about commenting on each other's blogs? I think using positive reinforcement for thought-provoking comments is one way.

How can a teacher handle a parent who is opposed to their child going online and using a blog site? Perhaps an agreement could be made where the blog entries are printed out and the student is responsible for commenting on them. They could also do the same writing assignments with simple pen & paper rather than online.