Journal Blogging by Lois M. Galindo

For my high school sophomore students enrolled in The Upward Bound program I would use Blogger for their English, Reading, Writing, and study skills course. The three purposes discussed in this week’s readings (distribution, discussion, and demonstration) can be demonstrated through blogging exercises in many ways.

I would use the blogger format for distribution by posting a calendar and syllabus on my blog so that students and parents are aware of due dates ahead of time and can use their time management skills to start assignments ahead of time so they are not late. Distributing due dates and assignment requirements ahead of time offers students flexibility in when they start their assignments. This also provides ample time for any questions the students may have about the assignment.

I would use the blogger format for demonstration y having students blog their Journal entries. I would put this practice in place by having students submit journal topics they are interested in writing about. I would then collect all responses and randomly select topics weekly. Students would have the opportunity to write their journals on the blog and include video and photos. Students could place video content rating the topic and the level of difficulty they had writing about it.

I would use the blogger format for discussion purposes by requiring students to respond to three classmate’s blogs. These classmates could be assigned by the teacher to have students who are strong in certain areas of writing assist their peers in becoming stronger writers. Students could also select the classmates they would like to respond to. Students could also use video or text to respond to their peer’s journal submissions. This process would provide for a rich opportunity for students to discuss their work and make improvements based on feedback from the teacher and peers.

Blogger provides a real time opportunity for students to create content, receive feedback, and maintain a portfolio of work for a particular class. This format is an invaluable tool that allows students to put personal touches on their writing, While at the same time receiving feedback from their teacher and peers from the classroom. Students can add pictures of what the writing reminds them of or makes them think about. Video can be added from YouTube about the subject matter or original content can be created by the student and posted on the blog. Blogging assignments provides students with real world skills that they can develop and use in the future.