TeachMeet 3 Minutes: Blogging

Why blog?

1. It is quick and easy to set up (all Wildern accounts use GMail and have Blogger as it is a Google tool).

2. It is very useful for AfL. Using the 'Post Comments ' function, pupils are able to give instant responses to pose questions and discuss. This facilitates open discussion.

3. You can link your blog posts to other channels and vice versa using IFTTT (If This Then That). IFTTT is a powerful service that allows you to connect channels such as Twitter, Blogger, Instagram and many more....

4. Having a teaching blog allows students to quickly and easily access work for the lesson from in the classroom and at home (and no more excuses for homework, as it's all on there!).

This last point is an interesting one, as it ties in with the FlipIT SIG that I am a part of. I have now started planning 'lessons' in which the students can follow at home. This is where the LEARNING will take place. During their next lesson at school, students will then put the learning into PRACTICE. I am uploading resources onto my YouTube account and Google Drive and embedding/linking them onto my blog. Students can then choose their own learning platform depending on technology available at home.

Students' comments: 

"I know that I can come straight into Miss Rymill's lesson and get straight onto her blog and the lesson will be there. I don't need to wait for others to come into the room to make a start on the lesson."

"I forgot what my homework was about the other day and headed straight for Miss Rymill's blog - where I found the video I needed to watch, along with the questions I needed to answer." 

5. Lastly, blogging is a powerful tool which allows students to be creative, improve literacy skills and celebrate their learning and achievements.