Although it is not created by students, I found a great US History class blog managed by a New York teacher, Mr. Sandoval: http://aupushistory.blogspot.com/ This blog looks as if it would be very useful for the students in his class because he has posted videos, class notes and assignments with links to relevant web resources. I know if I were a student in his class, I would appreciate being able to access the details of a class assignment at home. Also, this is convenient way for students to access class materials if they need to miss a day of school. Nothing is more frustrating than being sick and having a teacher who refuses to help you know what content you missed when you are sick.
I found an awesome podcast created by Mr. Conrad's AP World History students: http://whappodcast.com/ The students make creative chapter study guides and include key vocab terms. If I were in this AP course, I would love to help create and follow this podcast! Many podcasts contain music and creative video editing. The podcasts are very helpful and much more entertaining than reading a textbook. Also, I think that allowing students to film each other in the comforts of their homes is particularly appreciated by those who fear having to deliver a presentation to the entire class.
Mr. Armstrong's US History wiki is also very useful for his students: http://delmarhistory8.wikispaces.com/ This wiki is great because it has a discussion page where students can post about what they learned and respond to their classmates. This discussion is a smart idea because due to time constraints, not all students can share their opinions in class. Also, students who feel more comfortable articulating their thoughts in text would probably like the idea of regularly having to post on the discussion board. Also, this page links to sites that check for plagiarism and includes a page that covers the rules of blogging. Mr. Armstrong is not only helping his kids with content, he is also teaching his students to exercise responsibility on the web.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
a blog would certainly be great for when a student misses class. in 11th grade physics class, i was absent on a day when the teacher gave a POP TEST and i never even heard about it when i got back to school. consequently i got a D on my report card. the blog would have saved me that fiasco.
ReplyDeleteanything that involve music and video seems to enchant students. what a better way to learn than textbook osmosis. being on the world wide web also motivates kids to give their best on an assignment.
I like how you pointed out the plagiarism checker on the wiki page. Using resources like blogs, podcasts, and wikis in class is a great set up for discussing the ethics of using the web: plagiarizing, copyrights, and choosing your words wisely, etc.
ReplyDeleteThat is a GREAT point about missing class! Even if a teacher was considerate about giving makeup work, it was always a big pain to either go pick up all your missed assignments, or get a friend to pick them up. Technology eradicates this dilemma! I think technology excites students in general, so using blogs, wikis, and podcasts makes students WANT to engage in their content!
ReplyDeleteI really liked the way Mr. Conrad's students used podcast to creat their own study guides and study for key terms. This is both a fun idea and good way to study without being bored.
ReplyDeleteIt was very smart of Mr. Armstrong to post the rules of blogging on his wiki page because his students are constantly reminded how to navigate and use technology in a saftly manner.
I also think blog discussion boards are a great way for kids who might not otherwise speak in class to contribute. I was always really quiet in school and would give up if my teacher kept calling on the more outspoken students so I never felt like I had a chance to participate. This way, anything that was left unspoken in class can still be shared.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about blogs being useful for when students miss class. When they're sick they can check the agenda online and access what material the teachers handed out. This is also helpful for students before they come to class to know what to expect that day. As some of our other classes have told us, if you give students an agenda they are more likely to respond positively. On the blog you can also post discussion questions that could possibly come up and this can maybe help students get a head start on thinking... leading to more engaged class discussions.
ReplyDeleteAll these sites were great examples of real world applications for the resources we've been learning about. Each class took a different route to using technology, but modified to to work for them, and suit their needs.
ReplyDeleteI especially love the podcasts because this is such a great idea to get students really motivated. All three were great picks!
I also wished my techers would have implemented some of these technologies into thier classrooms. I think they are great ideas for taking the classroom outside the class and allowing those who don't ofter take part in discussions the chance to share their ideas. All three of your links were great!
ReplyDelete