International Schools Using Blogs

Woodhill Primary School

Woodhill Elementary school is located in Bishopbriggs, Scotland. The teacher of this blog posts entries on what goes on in the class of modern languages. The teacher uses podcasts to post listening assignments for the class which the students download using iTunes. There are links to lessons that the students can download to complete. The blog is also used to post updates on what is going on in the classroom.

8th Grade Humanities in India Blog

Gary Coyle’s 8*th grade Humanities Class in New Deli, India uses their blogs to posts assignments which the teacher leaves feedback on. The Teacher posts assignments and also writes about the course content. The students are encouraged to leave comments and feedback. The students also use the internet as a device for learning. Each blog is a detailed account of the student’s history in class.

International schools and teachers are using blogs, much like American schools and teachers as a means to store ideas, links and reference materials for student access and also as a way to keep in touch with students away from the classroom. Using blogs in education contribute to academic success in a variety of ways. Students can write and express themselves and obtain feedback from their teachers.

Parents may also use the blog to keep up to date on what their students are doing in class. The parents can help can track of assignments and also read what the teacher is saying about the work.

Teacher Blogs in the US and Technology in the Classroom

Mrs. Muellere teaches 7th and 8th grade science courses at Eisenhower Middle School in New Berlin, WI. Her Blog has links to the class syllabus, PowerPoint presentations and class assignments. The blog is being used as an educational tool to increase access to coursework information and class objectives. Mrs. Muellere writes daily on what has been covered in class and upcoming homework assignments that are due. Students also have access to Mrs. Muellere’s schedule.
Mrs. Dawn Reed teaches 9th grade English and Speech at the Charlotte High School in Charlotte, MI. The posts in Room 504's Digital Space mainly consist of reminders, homework, reading and journaling assignments. In addition Mrs. Reed keeps her students informed of upcoming tests and ways to prepare for class. The blog is structured in a way that the student must access the website for their homework on a daily basis. Mrs. Reed also provides her email address so students may contact her with questions. The comment section has been turned off on blog entries so students can not comment on assignments or with each other. This blog is primarily to inform students of their class assignments.
Technology is being used by students and teachers to create a virtually paperless classroom setting. Students can access their assignments via blogs or other online forums and then email or upload the finished product to their teachers for grading. The benefit of this (other than saving trees), is that class management is easier to sustain. Students have the ability to upload their assignments as soon as they are complete. Students are also able to keep up with their assignments if they miss class so that they will not get behind.
Educators are using podcasts, youtube or other vlogs, to distribute lessons to their students creatively. Students are using these mediums to discuss assignments with classmates, ask questions and to better understand lessons given in class. Recent technology is allowing students and teachers to communicate, write, learn and educate more effectively. Technology is the wave of the future and if teachers and students use these technologies frequently as a part of the classroom learning environment, they will be better equipped for higher education and the workforce.

Access

The Alabama Connecting Classroom Educators and Students Statewide (ACCESS) program provides students who may benefit from distance learning with classrooms, courses and certified teachers via technology. ACCESS offers students the ability to earn advanced diplomas. Students may also take additional or advanced placement courses or remedial courses.
Students may take courses online or in a classroom setting while their teacher may be in another part of the state via video conferencing. Courses and teachers may also be shared statewide if there is a shortage in a particular area of study. ACCESS presents opportunities for High School students in the Alabama public school system to participate in courses that they may not otherwise have access.
I would use ACCESS to provide my students with educational enhancement opportunities, so that they may advance in their learning abilities. ACCESS offers exceptional coursework for those who may not being getting what they need in a regular classroom setting. I may also use ACCESS in the future to ensure that my students graduate from high school with a superb education tailored to fit their unique and individual needs.

The Alabama Learning Exchange

The Alabama Learning Exchange (ALEX) is an online source of information that can be used by teachers, educators, administrators and students. ALEX allows teachers to design and share lesson plans as well as reference a variety of subjects in different grade levels. The information that can be found using ALEX is vast and endless.
ALEX can be used to create lesson plans that can be shared with fellow teachers. There is also a personal workplace where teachers may store lesson plans and submit web pages. Alex can be used in a multitude of ways to help teachers better prepare students to meet educational goals. There is an abundance of information that can be used to explore, create, and assist students in countless ways.
I would like to use ALEX to obtain sample lesson plans and help in my professional development. I would encourage students to use the distance learning option if there were not enough classes to meet the needs of my students. The advanced placement option is an excellent resource for students who would not otherwise have access to such a program. I would also use ALEX to encourage students to learn and help them to better understand the materials they are provided in class. ALEX can be used to find grants, leadership opportunities and current practices in education. ALEX is bursting with valuable information. I can not wait to utilize ALEX in my future classes, so that I may provide my students with the wealth of education that they deserve.

First Post

Hello and Welcome. My name is Sophia. I'm a 30 year old Single mother of an adorable 2 year boy. I work for an insurance company during the day and I also attend University a few evenings throughout the week. I am currently working on pre-reqs so I can get into the Special Education Masters Program at South Alabama. This Blog is for my Educational Media Class.