Lisa Takes on the Blog...

LOLA

Hello! My name is Lisa.  This is my first blog EVER and unfortunately for me I am a wee bit technologically challenged.  Hopefully this goes well! I am 21 years old and have spent my entire life in Lethbridge.  After graduating from high school my plan was to get as far away from Lethbridge, my family and rules as I possibly could.  Obviously, that didn't happen! My decision to become a teacher is one that has led me to stay in the town that I was desperate to get away from, live with my parents (who are actually wonderful) and continue to follow (to some extent) all of those horrendous rules.  That being said, I am so excited about having been accepted into the Faculty of Education and even more excited to begin my teaching journey.  While on the topic of myself, I must not forget the love of my life; my beagle, Lola.  Nothing makes me happier than spending a sunny Lethbridge day in the coulees with my girl!

Last Tuesday was the first time that I have ever really thought of blogging in general, never mind blogging as an educational tool.  Initially, the idea of having to share a blog with others terrified me.  The possibility of using blogs in a classroom setting also made me somewhat uncomfortable.  Although my primary response was not a positive one, I am now beginning to change my tune.

I can now see that a blog is a fantastic way for students to share their feelings, help others and make their views about different classroom activities known.  It opens up a line of communication both among the students in the class and between the students and the teacher.  If a teacher has the ability to post assignments on a classroom blog, it provides all students in the classroom with an equal opportunity to complete them regardless of attendance.  The sharing of notes, items of interest and frequently asked questions on a blog also provides extra resources to students that may not otherwise be available.  My favorite thing about using a blog in a classroom however is that students begin to really care about the quality of their work.  Because their work will be available for others to read, they truly want to showcase their best efforts.

Although I can now see the benefits of using a blog in the classroom, I am still hesitant about the lack of security on the internet.  Students need to be taught specific guidelines for using tools such as blogging while at school.  I think it is a wonderful idea to have students participate in the creation of these guidelines so that they can understand the reasons for them.