http://blogs.riceville.k12.ia.us/ss/6grade/
This is the link to a blog ran by a 6th grade social studies class. Although the teacher is obviously the facilitator of the blog, the students contributions occupy most of the space. Topics range from walruses to the people in Afghanistan and parent comments are welcome. Students obviously take charge of their learning, all the while knowing that their input can be read around the world. I think its not only a great way to learn cooperatively but also a way for the students to become accountable for their work.
http://studyingsocietiesatjhk.pbworks.com/
The wiki I chose was created by a teacher to re-emphasize the information taught in class. The wiki provides links to additional information that might not have been covered in class. Creating a wiki allows students to direct questions both to the teacher and other students taking the classroom outside the school.
http://americanhistoryrules.blogspot.com/2009/08/welcome-podcast.html
This podcast is only one of the many ways Mr. Taft integrates technology into his 8th-grade American history class. He uses the podcast to review for tests, give class announcements, and introduce primary resources such as speeches to his students. Mr. Taft also broadcasts his students work. This podcast was the first I had ever listened to but now that I have, I plan to implement it into my classroom.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I completely agree with you that a wiki is a great way to reinforce what was learned in class. I think sometimes it is easier for students to ask questions through a website than to ask directly in class. Teachers can provide further information that was not provided in class and students can do further research on their own. The podcast you provided is very interesting and I never thought of giving class announcements or reviews through devices like this. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the podcast you found. Like you, I had never listened to one before either, and I definitely plan to use it in my classroom too. I also like the blog you found. I think its important to focus on a variety of interests students may have, and the teacher can certainly cover that with this blog!
ReplyDeleteI love how teachers are implementing wikis into their classroom and how beneficial it seems to be proving. Everyone that I've seen seems to have positive feedback from what wikis provide for the teacher and students.
ReplyDeleteI also like that the blog you found welcomes parents' comments. I think it is extremely important for parents to be actively involved in their childrens' learning. I feel if I was a parent I would want to know what my child was doing and hopefully talk to them about it. Also having such an open network of communication with the teacher can prove to be an asset.
I found it interesting that the blog you linked invited parents comments. This is a great way for teachers to develop a way of communicating with parents and allows those parents to monitor what their children are learning in school.
ReplyDeleteI also plan to utilize podcasts in my classroom. Its really mind numbing to think of how the ipod has revolutionized not only music but also education and news reporting. I look forward to implementing strategies like these in my classroom. Thanks for sharing!