For the past two months, I have spent one day a week with a class of 6th graders developing their blogs. Most of them have heard of blogs before, but have never had one. Looking back, there are some things that I wish I could go back and teach again from the beginning (philosophy of blogging, how it helps them become better global citizens, they can connect with people from other countries and not just their friends sitting in the same room with them). But they will learn these in the long run. After all, 21st century learning is a new concept to these precious kiddos who have been living in 19th century classrooms their entire lives. It will take some time.
Here are the hurdles that I have to help them clear to become more effective bloggers:
1. Blogs are not social networks.
As I read their comments to each other, many of them are using SN language:
“How come I am not on your friend list?”
“Write me back”
“Hi TTYL BFF4EVER”
Perhaps it is partially my fault because I told them that commenting is what keeps the conversation going. So, they have conversations the way they would on a SN or in the cafeteria. Grrrr…..
2. Blogs are not for being goofy.
Yesterday, my co-teacher said to me that she is going to address the fact that many of their posts are becoming “goofy.” They are putting up silly pictures with no thoughts added to them. Their commenting is also turning goofy (see Hurdle #1).
3. Blogs are Web 2.0, so you have to know how to handle Web 1.0.
As exciting as blogging is for me and my colleagues, I forget that not every student is Internet savvy. They may be digital natives, but many of my students haven’t learned the language, yet. I am still showing students how to type in a web address, create links, find other blogs, and use a search engine. Many students’ are just now realizing that their blogs are websites that can be accessed by anyone, anywhere.
If I could get them to clear these hurdles, then I will have reached a major milestone. My goal is to not have them be prolific authors before the year is over. I plan to work with these students as seventh graders and just build upon the work of this year.
And there is still a lot to cover.
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