Utilizing Blogs in the Classroom

The mass of different the applications of technology that could be used to support students' search for knowledge is astounding. A weblog is just one, but there are so many ways it can be implemented in the classroom. I've always liked the idea of a classroom newspaper. How much better (not to mention easier) would a blog be? Easy editing, no paper waste, quick communication with parents, and students ownership. Students can hyperlink to a newstory, upload a video or voice thread they made in class, and link to presentations made on an application like Google Documents. Imagine having a community of classrooms from around the state, the country, even the world, comparing what they're learning, showing their work to more than just the teacher, getting feedback from kids their age.

As a teacher, being connected through blogs I can see what is going on in the world of education, innovative ideas for integrating technology in all disciplines and subjects, and connect with my peers to give and ask for advice. There are hundreds of professional blogs out there, among them one by David Warlick, who writes about modernizing our education system.