Using Technology and Blogging In the Classroom

The process of writing is enhanced by technology. Conventions and handwriting have been a focus in writing for many years in education but these skills are no longer essential for college and careers. According to Elyse Eidman-Aadahl "Schools are in catch-up mode." Outside of their classes, students most often encounter digital writing. The article is Writing Re-Launched: Teaching with Digital Tools by Liana Heitin. It says that their are plenty of reason for teachers to teach without technology including lack of resources and training, but their are also many reasons to use it. The most important reason for students to use technology is that it matches the world they live in. It is the form that people read and research most often in today's world.When teachers use technology in the classroom they see work that is intended to be read by an audience. Although teachers feel the pressure of testing is a reason to avoid technology, the use of technology may improve writing application that the students need for testing.


There are both issues and benefits of having students publish their writing and reviews of books on the Internet. The biggest issue will always be security. How do we make sure that are students are safe from predators? The skills that students need to stay safe must be taught to the students. It may feel like "one more thing" but it will pay off in the long run. I remember the day that I taught my first graders how to e-mail me. I wanted to give up, but a very smart man said to me "Did you have to teach them where to put their work every day?" To which I said "Yes, on the first day of class we learned where to turn in papers." To which he said "And how did it go the first day?" I didn't answer him. He knew as well as I did that the procedure must be learned and it takes time. Teaching your students about how to stay safe on the internet is the same, once you teach it your students will adapt to what they need to do.There are great online resources that can help you start teaching about cyber safety. Stay Safe Online is a great resource for teachers.

The benefit of students posting their work online is that students begin writing for it to be read. The students become interested in how many people have read their blog and what those people have to say. At the bottom of this blog I have included a YouTube video. The video really speaks about the benefits of student blogging. I feel anything internet based, wikis, blogs, social networks, can have the same benefit for students. The internet experiences give students a reason to write, and an audience that will react to their writing.

Blogging can be used by students and teacher to communicate with each other, to enhance the learning process, and to make learning fun for the students and teacher. We are all living in a technology driven world together. Our students want to use it and I have found that the more I introduce technology into my classroom the more I enjoy it. I have found many new ways to differentiate my lessons so that they are engaging and appropriate for all of my students. Some great teaching ideas can be found on Kids Learn to Blog. They provide free resources, tips, and jumping points for teachers.


The benefits of online writing and blogging are tremendous. Benefits such as real world application, proper preparation for college and career, and interest. Students love the new experiences that technology brings to the classroom. They also understand that at times the teachers is learning right along with them.
Some additional resources on the benefits of blogging include: Writing in the 21st Century, and Writing Between the Lines--and Everywhere Else.