The article I read outlined the importance of differentiating instruction for students in science by using blogs that include podcasts and discussion forums. According to the article, “Blogs expand instructional time by providing teachers with a user-friendly online format to reinforce strategies, introduce new topics and concepts, review important class points, review for tests, and provide enrichment.”(p. 61). I addition to enriching the educational experience by differentiating instruction, blogs allow for a new way to get materials. Teachers can upload lessons, notes and videos, as well as create video casts of lessons for students to access. This allows teachers to take advantage of what the article refers to as the “iTunes Phenomena” by extending class time into the students home life in an interesting way. I see blogging and discussion boards as a great substitution for traditional homework. However, it isn’t as simple as wanting to throw something together and just doing it. Teachers need training to learn how to integrate valuable technological resources into the curriculum.
Great Points:
Blogs can extend class time
Access can be gained by most students
Blogs can be used to issue traditional classroom work
Teachers need training and time
Colombo, M. W., Colombo, P. D. (sept. 2007), Blogging to improve instruction in differentiated science classrooms. Phi Delta Kappan, 89(1), 60-63
I think you are right! Blogs do give us access to some very useful and factual information sometimes! They are a great place to start research and expand seeing as you can use the references mentioned in the blogs! I do believe they will keep students more involved in what is going on in the classroom. They seem to love technology and when you give them the privilege of accessing information outside of the classroom I truly think they will take to it.
ReplyDeleteI did not think of blogs in that way; as a differentiating instruction tool. Students in the classroom are all at different levels and blogs with material for all learners will meet their needs. As teachers we will have students with learning disabilities, students in the general curriculum, and students who are talented and gifted, therefore they should be provided with instruction that is appropriate for students to make learning gains.
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