Teddy Bears Go Blogging Article

I thought that this article shinned a positive light on blogging and the internet. All to often now a days, schools are hesitant to use technology, such as the internet, because of the wide exposure it has on the public. I believe that when technology/blogging is used properly it not only enhances learning on the specific topic, but also opens doors to other topics. Using technology, such as "blogging" enhances learning and takes the students as well as the teachers outside of the classroom environment and exposes them to various settings and people. This article demonstrated that the students' learning becomes multi-demensional, meaning that they are learning academics (writing, grammar, etc.) but also learning about social interactions (what's appropriate communication, how to address and end a conversation, etc.).

I found this article to be helpful because it allows me to see how technology can be implemented within the classroom. I feel all too often teachers resort to the basics of technology (power points and videos), but there is clearly so much more that can make for an effective lesson. "Teddy Bear Blogging" took an average lesson to the next level. Not only were the students doing hands-on work, but also the teacher was able to involve the parents in their lesson! This is a major plus because parents want to know what their child is doing in school, and it's a great way to build a teacher-parent relationship as well.

I personally do not have much experience blogging, unless you include Facebook which I think everyone is guilty of. I've always been a little weary about posting things about me or about my day on the internet. I never found blogging appealing in any way, shape, or form, then again my life really isn't that appealing for me to even write about my day/week/ect. I guess I am behind in the times; which would explain me being technologically deficient. However, I do think that blogging would be great for academic purposes. It's another way for a teacher to communicate with the parents and their students outside of school. It's another way for everyone to voice their opinion, and to communicate safely with others to enhance learning. I can see myself implementing blogs for my own purposes as well as for the students' purposes.