So here's the thing, I've been trying to motivate students to write. I have tried a number of strategies, but fear that I will kill the 'love' if it is work.
So recently a colleague has approached me with the idea of having the students blog. I like the idea, but also have concerns as I want them to remain 'safe' online. We are going to be exploring this avenue of expression for the class starting this week (or at least that is my hope). Together we will tackle our concerns and introduce this to the class.
As a result, I spent much time on the internet this weekend looking for information on how to blog. I found lots, and lots of really great bloggers ... which side tracked me significantly ... and I did discover this really great blog that talked about what it takes for a blog to be great, but I am still unsure of how to 'teach' it to my class.
I have an old-school handwritten journal, correction ... I have many ... as I started journalling when I was in elementary school, and blogging just seems to be the same, but different. My old-school journals are meant just for me, no one else. When I die I want them burned ... or at least that is what I always thought, but maybe there is some brilliance buried somewhere in them that could guide or help someone else. I doubt it, but I'll be dead, so what would I care :) Blogging is 'out there' for everyone to see, and read. I have never really felt that I had much to share or contribute to the larger conversation but maybe if I want my students to embrace this method of communication, I ought to model what it could look like. I might even realize that I do have something to share :)
I am scared. Putting myself 'out there' is more than a little intimidating. Hopefully I can spark interest and model appropriate online behaviour ... at the very least show that it can be done.
So recently a colleague has approached me with the idea of having the students blog. I like the idea, but also have concerns as I want them to remain 'safe' online. We are going to be exploring this avenue of expression for the class starting this week (or at least that is my hope). Together we will tackle our concerns and introduce this to the class.
As a result, I spent much time on the internet this weekend looking for information on how to blog. I found lots, and lots of really great bloggers ... which side tracked me significantly ... and I did discover this really great blog that talked about what it takes for a blog to be great, but I am still unsure of how to 'teach' it to my class.
I have an old-school handwritten journal, correction ... I have many ... as I started journalling when I was in elementary school, and blogging just seems to be the same, but different. My old-school journals are meant just for me, no one else. When I die I want them burned ... or at least that is what I always thought, but maybe there is some brilliance buried somewhere in them that could guide or help someone else. I doubt it, but I'll be dead, so what would I care :) Blogging is 'out there' for everyone to see, and read. I have never really felt that I had much to share or contribute to the larger conversation but maybe if I want my students to embrace this method of communication, I ought to model what it could look like. I might even realize that I do have something to share :)
I am scared. Putting myself 'out there' is more than a little intimidating. Hopefully I can spark interest and model appropriate online behaviour ... at the very least show that it can be done.