using blogs in teaching english

8/13/2019 Using blogs in teaching English

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Engaging Students in Reading and Writing

through Blogs


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Philosophical underpinnings

Vygotsky and constructivism

Kids construct their own knowledge.

As teachers, we act as mediators to empower

their learning.


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Advantages of using blogs

It is

Interactive

Dynamic

CollaborativePPP, videos, and audio files can be embedded

You can have a TB, STB and a Class Blog

It gives independence to Ss

it helps Ss to develop their learning competenceIt is motivating


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Why use Blogging as a Language Learning Tool ?

21stcentury Ss are digitally competent

Blog is an innovative language learning tool

Teachers need to be methodologically updated

It develops Ss lifelong learning and self-study skills.Extra curricular extension of the class

Portfolio of Ss work

Become a learner, at the same time a teacher

Ss learn to become independentInteractive self-correction exercises

Format variety

Not limited by time or place


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Blogquest

Hands on Activity Break

T

ake 15 minutes to explore the many uses of blogs

http://tieconference2006.blogspot.com/
http://tieconference2006.blogspot.com/http://tieconference2006.blogspot.com/


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Question/Discussion

What did you think of the blogs you browsed?

A. No interestB. Some interest (probably will never go back)

C. Some interest (Ill probably go back and have a look

someday)

D. Very interesting (Ill definitely go back)


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Scaffolding Blogging

How to introduce blogs

Provide students or let students search for interesting and

relevant sites and teach them how to write about what theyfind useful at those sites

Primary sources: connect to authors, scientists, politiciansBecome an expert about a topic, comparing informationfrom different sites


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Getting started

Step 1

Start small

Add links, add annotated links with what you think is important andmeaningful

As you get into a rhythm of posting, add more depth

Remember this is a learning tool, not a place to air complaints. It

will be part of your public record


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Step 2

Use it as a class portal

Homework assignments

Links

Dont worry about using it for collaborations and conversations


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Step 3: adding students

Have students get use to using the blog for a portal

Add discussion questions

Have students look at other blogsSet expectations on how they should respond


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Step 4: Students own blog

Make sure technology is comfortable

Negotiate how much of their blog is their own

Student Safety

Students, parents, and administration are clear about the

expectations and the reasoning behind it.

Permissions


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using blogs in teaching english

Documents