Journal #3

Five Don’ts of Classroom Blogging by Julie Sturgeon

Sturgeon’s article discusses the potential pitfalls of classroom Blogging. She presents five essential Don’ts to help prevent potential problems when using blogs. Sturgeon warns not to just jump in; one should do his homework and have students abide by a strict code of conduct for proper blogging. One should also outline that the blogging for the classroom will aim at collaboration and not for socializing. Also, educators should look at open source programs to avoid the transparency of outside exposure to unwanted solicitation and internet dangers. The blogs should also aim at a structure that lends itself to flexibility and not chronological whereby entries are buried under a lot of other things. And lastly, educators should maintain constant focus and hands-on attention to the goals of the blog, allowing for a more interactive and collaborative atmosphere.


Question #1: Should free blog sites be avoided at all costs?

I believe free blog sites like blogger.com can be a useful tool if the educator doesn’t have a technically proficient IT staff. I think an educator can make use of such sites to initiate communication with students and parents alike. Although Sturgeon warns against these sites because of the outside influences (possible predators, and unsolicited advertisements), I feel this could be a platform for on-the-go Q&A for classroom administration issues (homework, projects, etc).


Question #2: How can educators ensure that their students maintain focus on assigned blogs?

I feel that blogging is a very constructive tool for communication, collaboration, and instruction. Because it is such an interactive tool, I believe that educators must access these blogs at least once a day to ensure that students stay on task and that blog entries stay appropriate and relevant to the requirements of the entries. Educators have to be very involved in the blog and closely monitor every entry posted. I think one clear way to give students a better opportunity to stay focused is to make the blog relevant to student learning and interesting. I like the idea of scavenger hunts on the Internet and have students research specific topics and write about those topics.