Grab a cup of coffee and come on in…let’s talk classroom blogging

While we wait for our coffee to cool, let me share that I think there is something fascinating about all learners – regardless their age. I also believe there are dramatic differences between learners across the ages, but amazingly, there are striking similarities too.  Because of this, I find it difficult to focus my interests on a singular context in learning and instruction.  I get so excited thinking about education my mind goes in a million directions like coffee beans in a grinder.

However, my current focus is on STEAM education in the primary classroom (transitional Kindergarten through second grade). By the way, STEAM as in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, not how you froth your milk for a cappuccino.

Does blogging affect learning?
That’s like asking if coffee wakes you up…

There is tremendous power behind the blog, much like a triple shot of espresso!  Educators should not underestimate the motivational and engaging force blogs have for the contemporary student.  Understanding many of today’s learners have been born into a digitally infused and enhanced world (again, think WIRED like a triple shot of espresso) we can parlay the use of interactive technological tools to capture and enrapture our students.  Dabbs (2011) shared the use of blogs allows students and teachers to post commentaries, engage in discussions, and include supplemental materials that maximize learning.  Furthermore, academic blogging is related to students’ increased achievement in reading and writing.

So…Where do teachers begin?  By hitting the brew on switch and blogging themselves!  Richardson (2010) explained if we want our students to blog, we must lead by example.  If we start small and create a blog with our students, we can work and learn together.  Teachers will have valuable teaching moments to instruct how to use the hardware and software, and perhaps more importantly the rules for safety and ethics when using social media.

My challenge to teachers seeking ways to percolate and sustain their learners attention in the classroom…
try blogging, and a giant cup of coffee!

CHEERS!

References:
Dabbs, M. L. (2011). New teacher boot camp week five–using blogs.  Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/new-teacher-boot-camp-blogs-lisa-dabbs

Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

Image References:
Benefits of Blogging in Education retreived from http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2012/06/ultimate-guide-to-use-of-blogs-in.html

I Think, Therefore I Blog retrieved from http://blog.blogdash.com/2013/12/how-good-content-strategy-can-make-your-blogging-life-much-easier/

Coffee Beans in Coffee Pod retrieved from http://guardianlv.com/2013/09/national-coffee-day-free-coffee-from-these-businesses/

Cup of Coffee retrieved from http://www.vanelis.com/WP/?p=166

Coffee @ Foam retrieved from http://foodswol.com/coffee-is-cool-wallpaper-free-for-android.html