THE Journal

Journal #3
THE Journal

By: Patricia Deubel, PH.D.

In Patricia's journal she focuses on the positive uses a K-12 teacher could obtain by blogging. It could be used to communicate with your students outside the classroom, as well as communicating with their parents, or even with your own peers. She also mentioned that students could use this new technology by starting an online discussion about the assignment. In theory this could be a perfect opportunity for the students who do have valuable information who does not come forth in the classroom could positively use blogging to their advantage and share their ideas or comments. She also talks about how a teacher needs to show their students how to prepare a proper paper and use works cited to stop any plagiarism. Blogging is a wonderful tool for the classroom but it can become strenuous for the teacher, where Patricia commented that a student could become the discussion leader where a huge part of the blogging responsibilities can be released from the teacher. Blogs could become harmful to the students though, so an adult supervision should be kept at all times.

How can I ensure that all my students parents can read and understand my Blogs?
In most computer programs their is a way where you can translate your commentary into another language. I know that you can do that in most e-mail accounts. One could use that program to translate your Blog posts into all the different languages of your students parents, allowing them to actively participate in their child's learning.
How can I make sure that my student's will be protected while using Blogs?
Patricia said that their are Blog programs where there has to be a password to access the blog. This is one way. Another way is to monitor your students blogs and erase any unreasonable, or harmful commentary. One more way is to have your students parents sign a permission slip explaining the learning positives from using blogs as well as the possible dangers of it. Also explain to the parents that while the student is at home, that they should monitor the child and assist with any questions the student may have.