By Jacob Gutnicki
“Last year Creed asked me how to set up a blog. Wanting to protect the world from being exposed to Creed's brain, I opened up a Word document on his computer and put an address at the top. I've read some of it. Even for the intranet, it's... pretty shocking.” (The Office, Season 3, Episode 23)
Many administrators fret about students and teachers creating blogs for this very reason. After all, in this age of accountability it only takes one incident to end a principal’s career. So what does the principal do? No one wants student work containing poor grammar to get posted. Likewise, no one wants to create a controversy through a student blog. Subsequently, many schools do not encourage the use of blogs and in some cases even discourage/ban its use.
This is a shame as the power of publishing is a motivator that should not be underestimated. Since the dawn of the Internet cutting edge schools have been creating web sites centered on a variety of themes and have found time after time that it helped drastically improve student-writing skills and proved to be a powerful motivator. The students were excited to see their work displayed on a web site as it gave them a voice that can be seen by millions of people. However, in those days web publishing required that the user code in HTML or use a GUI Web Editor and a FTP application such as DreamWeaver and/or Fetch.
Thanks to the advent of Web 2.0 tools, web based publishing is as easy as using Microsoft Word. No longer does one need a FTP account or knowledge of how to use a web editor, code in HTML, or use a FTP client. This in turn has lead to a publishing revolution and explosion of information as never seen before.
Yet there are still many holdouts that fear the worst. Are these fears rational? Will students and teachers post something terrible? To be truthful these are tough questions. How many times have we seen an inappropriate ranting posted on the Internet? Additionally, posted work with poor grammar may lead to a false impression about the academic rigor of a given school.
However, one must ask the following question; “If not now, when?” Simply put, shouldn’t schools teach children how to write? If not, who is preparing students to interact and compete in a world powered by web based tools? If we choose to avoid using Web 2.0 tools in the classroom, we are leaving students to their own devices in which they are far more likely to blog without any regard to netiquette and proper use of grammar. Therefore, I implore administrators to adopt the use of technology tools, which promote writing. Naturally, schools should create a review process and protocols that help students write more thoughtfully and effectively. In fact, the blog can be a great learning opportunity in which we teach students about netiquette and writing mechanics. Who knows? With a little innovation and caution we might just produce the next Stephen King or J.K. Rowling.
Related posts
Why I started a blog and why maybe you should too,
Is Blogging Worth The Risk? For Most Teachers, No
Is Blogging Worth The Risk? - Yes!
50 comments:
I loved the picture and caption to this blog post!
As for the idea of having students blog, I would say that it is a huge fear that students may use grammatically incorrect sentence structure or misspelled words, which in turn, leads people to question the strength and academic rigor of a school. In fact, I've done it myself when I've seen school blogs where students attempt to defend a school and/or their teachers. In effect, their arguments have the opposite effect.
But after seeing the thinkquest website, I am feeling a little more intrigued at teaching students how to create websites that show their mastery and expertise. It's true that it pushes students to be more engaged when they know they will have a real world audience.
As for blogging, I'm still contemplating that. Just for the simple reason that blogs are generally less informal and can result in a more negative impact, as opposed to a positive one.
Ayesha Long
In this age of technology I think it is inevitable that we incorporate blogging in the our curriculum planning. Blogging promotes writing and our students need all the practice they can get. When students are aware that the whole school community can read their post, they will be more inclined to check grammer, punctuation, and content. The majority of 3rd-6th graders in my school are publishing their final pieces. They are comfortable with technology sometimes more than the teacher.
I can understand the fear that educators may have with students blogging for all to see. However, technology is an intriguing tool and students want to use it. So if it going to get students to write without a fuss, I think it should be encouraged. Although there may be many "issues" with the writing, it can be checked prior to posting. It can be checked in word for grammar and misspelled words. Teachers should also be walking around to each student as they work for proper writing and posting edict. Students should also be taught how and what is acceptable.
Vanessa McMellon
I think incorporating blogging into our curriculum is an excellent way to prepare our children for the future. Until this class, I have never before created a blog. I love to write about topics that interest me such as health and fitness, and usually shared information via facebook. I never knew how easy it was to create a blog, and know that I know, I will definitely share this tool with my students. I think the blog is a wonderdul way to help students practice spelling, grammar, and writing mechanics.
Christina Ferrara
I completely agree with you. Blogs should somehow be incorporated into a schools curriculum. Yes, you may be taking a risk, but children need the writing experience. If they are aware they are writing for others to see, they will be more aware of grammar mistakes and what they are actually writing about.
Kimberly Braga
Teachers and administrators should definitely have an open mind when it comes to the use of technology in the classroom. Teachers are sometimes afraid that others will make inappropriate comments that could discourage students. It is important to also consider the positive aspects of it. A blog can be a great tool that could certainly motivate students. G. Torres
You are absolutely right in saying that the blog can be a great learning opportunity in which we teach students about netiquette and writing mechanics. Todays society is all about the use of Web 2.0 tools and various technologies. In fact, it is these tools that are having the biggest effect on students and their motivation to learn and participate in school. Obviously, schools need to be teaching children how to write, so this might just be the perfect way to do it. Provide them with the power of publishing while also creating the opportunity to teach them the proper use of grammar and expression. Of course I would say that students should be given the proper instruction on netiquette along with this. In addition, just as our posts and responses need prior approval from our instructor before they can be posted, posts made by children in school would need approval first as well. So have no fear principals.. teacher screening and necessary editing should be in place when blogging is in use.
Courtney Weiner
I like the concept of blogging. It is a new way to implement writing into the curriculum. The more that we expose the children to reading and writing the better there grammar, spelling, and writing skill will inevitably be.
Marlon Campbell
Personally I am in favor of students blogging. Though I do understand the fear that students poor grammar, punctuation etc... may be a misrepresentation of the school and teachers, I think that the benefits of blogging outweigh the potential negative outcomes of using blogging in the classroom.
Comments posted can be moderated and reviewed for approval which can take away some of the room for error in students writing. I think that it is also true that knowing that one's work is visible to a wide audience may help students be more invested in using correct grammar, punctuation and spelling.
I can understand administrators being concerned about what students and teachers post on blogs. I don't think that it's the "poor grammar" I think that it's the content that also concerns administrators.
It is interesting to learn that when students create websites it helps to improve their writing skills. Therefore, I agree with Professor Gutnicki when he says that monitored blogs can "help students' write.
I feel that blogging has more advantages than disadvantages. It improves students' ability to write and be more careful what they write. By cooperating with other students to publish the piece in blog, it will enhance their literacy skills.
Keiko Shari
In my opinion, blogging is very advantageous when it is used appropriately. If the blog is directed by the teacher and each comment is reviewed before it is posted, it can be a very beneficial tool in the classroom. Yes, we might post students’ responses that do not have proper grammar, but grammar should be the least of our concerns when it comes to writing. We should be more focused on the content of the students’ writing and the fact that they are sharing their thoughts and expressing their opinions. In the classroom, there may be many students whom are shy and reluctant to voice their opinion in front of their peers. When that child has the opportunity to sit in front of the computer, gather his or her thoughts, and put them into writing, it is a less frightening form of participation. It also allows the teacher (and the other students) to see that that student does have an opinion. I agree with what Roxanne said, “blogging promotes writing and our students need all the practice they can get… When students are aware that others are reading their posts, they will be more inclined to check grammar, punctuation, and content.”
-Alla Priemyshev
I agree with Professor Gutnicki that blogs could be a great learning opportunity for students. Children are our future and so is technology so why not combine them and see how it goes. We are in 2011 and computers are taking over the world. I understand that principals are skeptical but they should really give blogging a try. You don't know how something is going to turn out until you try it. Some schools might benefit from it and others might not at least they could say they tried it.
Nancy Mandarino
We now live in an age where blogging is more the norm than not and this is a great thing. School should always encourage both teachers and student to blog because it stimulates the thought process and discussion and will encourage more students to express themselves. The important thing is to do it responsibly so that the wrong things are not being put out there to create problems for those involved. To ignore the power and benefits of blogging for the sake of ignoring controversy is not the way to go.
Stella Gindel
This blog is caution us on how to use the concept of blogging. Also how blogging can ruined people's reputation from using improper grammar.
I agree with the author. While unsupervised blogging can be risky and dangerous, as it can lead to grammatical, spelling and sentence and paragraph structural errors as well as the writing and publishing of inappropriate materials, if it is done as part of a well-structured, supervised program, it can have many benefits. For example, children should first be taught proper grammar, spelling, and sentence and paragraph structure, preferably through the use of appropriate software programs. When the children are ready to blog, they should be properly supervised; all blogs should be reviewed by the teacher and administrator, if necessary, before being published. This will minimize the risk of publishing grammatically incorrect, or inappropriate materials.
Chaya Dusowitz
Raia Mykho
First,schools should teach children how to write.Then school should set a proper example how to set up a blog. In addition,because the blog IS a learning opportunity for students,and "if not now,when?",schools should be responsible for this process.
"To blog or not to blog?" There is only one answer:"To blog."
I totally understand schools' fears of having their students' work published on the internet. However, I think there is a huge advantage of using the computer to get the students to write. I remember you mentioning that your son won't pick up a book, but he will happily read something written on the computer. This makes me think that children who are "allergic" to writing may be excited to write once they know it is on the computer and it will be published on the internet. I do think, though, that there should be proper supervision involved and the students' work should be properly checked before it is published.
I have never posted or written a blog until now because of this class. I can see now how blogs can be controversial and can get teachers and students in many different disagreements. However, blogs are a good writing tool for students and the school community, with the right guidelines on them. It is indeed a way for students to be creative, express themselves, and practice their writing skills. All schools should agree to use the “Web 2” applications.
I agree. I think using blogging in the curriculum is the way of the world. It is awesome for children to be able to express and voice their ideas for the world to read (definitely monitored though) and assist them with writing, writing creativity, and forming their thoughts.
I feel it is important for students to learn how to blog, create web pages, etc. However, I feel that teachers need to monitor assignments and tasks, and pre-approve everything before publishing. The internet is a dangerous place, especially with all the issues of cyberbullying, which is now considered a crime. Teachers are responsible for teaching appropriate use of the internet, however, should not be held accountable or afraid to teach due to fear of misuse.
To blog or not to blog is a a very good question. With this idea of blogging comes backlash if something inappropriate is said and starts controversy as stated in this blog. I believe students should write blogs but appropriate ones. Blogging is a great form of writing and expressing one self which can really benefit these students. Also blogging can help the way students are being taught if something isn't working a new technique should replace it. I dont believe that students should blog and give backlash to the school. It gives a bad reputation to the school. The idea of blogging has both negative and positive aspects of it. Teachers and administrators have to find ways to be helpful to the students so that they blog in a positive way which can be see across the net!
I agree with your suggestion Professor. I think that teachers should encourage students to write as much as possible. Using blogs can be used as a motivator for writing. As you suggested, a system where students can preview what they will post can be provided for them. This system will underline any writing errors they made. I think that students will appreciate a tool that will help them improve their writing. At the end of the day, writing poorly is an embarrassment for the students not only for the school. Teachers need to think of strategies of how to implement and encourage writing through technology as well.
I think it is a great concept to have students blog. I have seen students for some reason act faster to type on their cellphones and answer questions from a lesson then they will hand write it. Allowing students to express themselves and answer questions on a blog keeps teachers' involved in today's environment and expectations and also shows students that by always being on their phones or computers they do not have an excuse to not do the assignments or participate in discussions.
Blog or not to blog- a classic question.
The question has two answers or maybe three. If you are an open-minded individual who is not afraid of some "inappropriate" topics and comfortable to discuss any issues, then the answer is yes.
In any other situation is up to you.
Boris Balan
Shauna Desouza
To be honest, I really don't believe in blogging, for the main reason that it is not really a part of class work and it is done for students pleasure. When one blogs, it is put out for the whole world to see. is this edited? maybe not. Therefore the world audience may view the ability of the school and not the student. this in return may cause people to see the school as incompetent, which of course is negative for the school.
On the other hand, I think it is okay for students to create webpage, creating a webpage can help the students to build their own sites, and become more advance. In other words , creating a web page is more academically incline and professional in stead instead of for fun
I agree with you saying that the blog can be a great learning experience for students. By students blogging it improves their writing and being more aware in their writing.Teachers should supervise students while blogging so their is no inappropricate writing.Also this would improve their typing which is important in today's world.
Students being able to get their thoughts down in a coherent matter on topics that they enjoy can be extremely beneficial in a childs' development. Students are constantly on the internet as is, allowing them to use the internet to comment on material that they may come across in the classroom.
Edward Giordano,
I found this article to be interesting. Even though i am new to this "Blog" thing, i do not see the harm for teachers and students to have a blog. From reading this article, it seems motivating for students and allows others to see their work. For inappropriate statements people worried about, can they have an approval option? just like when we post a comment on these blogs.
I agree with the author. Blogging promotes and encourages writing. Students have the opportunity to write about topics that are of particular interest to them. When students are aware that an entire school community can read their post, they will be more inclined to check grammar, punctuation, and content.
As a big fan of "The Office" I greatly appreciated the first paragraph, i also thought this article made some great points. While it's true that having students write in blogs can be dangerous, it also gives them a platform to voice their opinions and concerns. On top op giving them a voice, it gives them a chance to better their writing skills in a more free manner than that of a classroom setting.
Christopher Guardino
I agree with you Professor on making your students write more and a blog can be a great learning experience for students. Students being able to get their thoughts down on topics that they enjoy can be beneficial in a child's development. Students are constantly on the internet as is, allowing them to use the internet to comment on material that they may come across the classroom.
Fitore Demirovic-tue edsn650
I feel like administrators should have an open mind when it comes to technology and blogging in a classroom. All kids know in this day in age is technology and they should be taught by using it. Not only is it a new way to implement writing curriculum but its also helpful for students to learn. My opinions are half and half with blogging there should be a way to regulate the comments or maybe the comments shouldn't be posted before a teacher reads it.
Christina DeSantis
EDSN650
I never heard about blogging in schools by students during the learning process. Well, we live in 21st century and I guess we can not ignore that blogging will come in every aspect of our lives including classrooms.
However, I do agree 100 % that students should be taught how to do that correctly and according the rules set by the school.
I feel that blogging can be scary and helpful at the same time. Some students that are making grammatical errors can be judged and should not be able to create blogs. Poor writer also wouldn't be so motivated to write. On the other hand, sometimes blogging can help you correct your grammar with the spell check. You need to be able to use all the tool that technology has to offer.
Antonina Nefedov
EDSN 650
Blogs are a great learning experience for many students, and students can learn from others. This can build students skills in technology and learning how to interact with others. This is great idea for teachers that teach writing coarse. Teachers can view a child's thought process and how they structure their ideas. Yes the internet can be a dangerous place but it is our job to find the positive in things, and how students can use the internet properly. This also build on typing, and using a keyboard which will be beneficial for the future. This can be a great skill that the child can take with them to their educational career and in life.
Vincent T. Miller
EDSN 650
SPRING 2018
I can understand the problem that educators may have with students blogging. Technology is a great tool and students want to use it. So if it going to get students to write without a issue then implement then. Teachers should also be walking around to each student as they work for proper writing and posting edict. Students should also be taught how and what is acceptable. It is a new way to implement writing into the curriculum.
I think that the quality of writing has not gone down solely because of the use of the internet and computers as a medium. What both have done is allow for more people to display their thoughts and writing, to a larger audience. This allows for a lot of sub-par material to cloud the fact that there is really good material on blogs as well. What we must do is teach students to locate, appreciate, and learn from the blogs and internet sources that are factual and valued.
I don't see the problem with students blogging, however it should be done in high school because at a younger age then 14, a student's opinion might not be fully developed. In the blog the students should be using proper grammar, making it a new way for them to practice their writing skills.
I do believe that if students have the drive to voice their opinions they should be able to do so in an appropriate manner. If writing a blog will help drive student's writing then I believe they should be allowed to do so. However, there is always a chance that students may get carried away with what they have to say. I believe, if the posting a blog is something that the students want to participate in then it should be monitored by their teacher and rules and regulations should be clearly established.
Student's should get to learn how to write both ways; on paper and using a keyboard and express their ideas both ways. whether a student has poor grammar or not, I think that it is still acceptable to blog. Can you control what students or teachers post? unfortunately not. Teachers and students should watch out on what is being posted.
Ruti Iskhakov
EDSN 650
Spring 2018
I was never one to blog. I very rarely even bother to read blogs, but today, they are becoming more common throughout the internet. I feel it is a diary. People feel the need to write something pertaining to whatever topic. Everybody has an opinion that needs to be voiced, and this is one spot for them to voice it. However, for students, voicing their opinion can help them express their opinions. Here at least others can give comments and feedback like I am doing now.
J Pucci
Spring 18
I agree with this article. Schools should teach students how to interact and write in a world powered by web based tools. It is all around us. Blogs are an interesting outlet and great way to teach students how to write and express themselves freely. There is always a fear that students might use the blogs for something bad or inappropriate, but is that a good enough reason for them not to use blogs or web based tools? I don't think it is. We should teach them the right's and wrong's about blogging and the do's and dont's. If we do that the rest is up to them to figure it out. We should allow them to make their own mistakes. All in all, this was an interesting read.
I found this article pretty interesting. It is funny how people fear that blogs will cause so much "drama" but honestly why would a teacher post something risky and jeopardize their career, or why would a student write something that might get them in trouble? There is always a thin line between right, wrong and ones opinion. But I agree blogs are a way for people to express themselves and granted if schools want to do it, there should be rules and limitations to these blogs, but it should be available to students and staff.
I believe blogging can be a very useful tool in teaching students how to write. Technology is something that is in their everyday life and it can be used as a tool to enhance their writing skills and communications skills. A blog can be used to give the students a voice over different topics and since the whole school or class can have access to it they will be more inclined to use proper language and grammar.
I find it to be very helpful that students should blog because it is a great way for them to have the opportunity to express themselves. Even though them posting can lead to issues, they should still be allowed to post and learn from the consequences. I believe that students should be exposed to the real world and learn that whatever they post will be seen by millions. Therefore, they should be mindful of their grammar and their post in general.
-Yokasta 650
EDSN 650 SUMMER Liora P
The question you pose is an interesting one.
The question of whether or not students should have the option to blog in the classroom brings me to my teen years.
As a writer myself I was looking forward to put my thoughts forth on a new platform and let my voice be heard .
Students in middle school who are sharpening their writing skills, should definitely be allowed to use internet to express their ideas and opinions via blogs. Students in this age are going through many social and emotional developments in their journey of self discovery, and often times will feel the need to express themselves to the world. It is important to encourage students to write about topics that interest them and sharpen their writing skills in the process. I think that there should be some boundaries set in schools for the usage of the internet, however, blogging should be a great tool set forth to benefit the student.
I think one way or another, students will find their own way of posting their idea online. So instead of trying to avoid the unavoidable, we can focus on how to help prepare our students to become a more confident and responsible bloggers. For example, before uploading anything online or make it live, students can do peer proofread and fact check, which can also be a great way for them to practice their writing skills as well as to be a critical thinker.
EDSN 650
Yicong Teng
Schools should be responsible to teach students using 21st century tools in order to prepare them for the outside world. Before any technology is used in the classroom, students must attend workshops that discuss how to use the internet safely and appropriately. Obviously, boundaries must be set and supervision is encouraged. Teachers can preview any work before it is published online.
Displaying student work is not just for bulletin boards. Blogging is a great way for students to express themselves. It allows students to get excited about the work they produce, by not only allowing them to create work that is important to them, but also allowing them to produce it in a way that they feel heard.
EDSN 650
Hyunsook Chung
It is an interesting article to think about. I don't get excited too much leaving post or sharing thought on the internet myself. I never even had a blog. However, I know kids get really excited posting their ideas online and share with others. I think, maybe it would be useful for upper grades such as, above 4th and 5th grades for lower grades I think they should have more interactions in person. As long as the teachers and parents supervise for the proper use for the students on using blogs It can be very useful.
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