Integrating “Blogs” into Lessons

This is a collection of ideas about specific ways to use “blogs” in your lessons.
As you read through this list; think about variations that you may make in your own lesson plans to fit your objectives. After reading, please add your comments and ideas, so we all may benefit.

Classroom Blog
A place to post announcements, add and clarify homework assignments, answer questions and make sure everyone is on-the-same-page.

Exploratory Project
Before beginning a new unit/subject/content – ask students to find and collect as much information on the subject that they feel will help them with understanding.

Vocabulary List
Encourage students to submit “words” that were “new” to them or that they are having trouble with “meaning”. They could include a “dictionary entry” or better yet – define in their “own words”. Teachers can “tap” this list for classroom use, to determine if other students are having similar vocab issues.

Study Guide
Before the test - ask students to add “What they learned” or “Something in addition” to what was covered in class about a concept or idea. As students read the blog before the test, information is readdressed, synthesized and expanded to higher level thinking skills, which may be beneficial on test day.

Problem Solving
Challenge students by posting “difficult problems” (one’s that require multiple levels of cognition to find solution) and encourage collaboration in finding a solution.

Daily Journal
Students will learn to stop/think/reflect on their learning by entering personnel meanings regularly, plus writing daily increases vocabulary and cognition.

Fan Clubs
During classroom discussions – select “historical figures” or persons you would like to “get-to-know”. Ask students to find and post pictures, quotes and other fun-facts about this person in a blog. (ie. Abraham Lincoln, Muhammad Ali, Leo Durocher)

Classroom Debate
Assign 2 students or 2 groups opposing side of the issue. Before debate, students could “blog” to determine the arguments they will support. Debate could either occur in classroom or on “blog”. Students develop logical thinking, and reasoning skills, but also how to disagree with being disagreeable.

Learning Assessment
Blogging is an excellent way for students to demonstrate their own understanding of subject matter. Blog could be developed over time and amended as understanding develops.

Please share your any additional thought and ideas with us!