Group 1 Tools- Blog Reflection

Collaboration is a major learning tool we as teachers should strive for our students to learn during their schooling years. It is a tool which is needed in nearly any working field. People must be able to talk to others, give feedback and make suggestions in order for improvement in the work force. Imagine a school where teachers didn't collaborate! I believe this is one of the vital tools learnt through blogging.

Students can also use higher order thinking, by learning information,  looking further into a subject matter by researching and gathering more in-depth information.  Students understand this information, apply it into other areas then analyse, evaluate and create!

Since beginning this course i have started using a range of different technologies. Blogging seems to be the simplest out of the bunch! I may be young but i'm not the most fluent with technology. As i am a beginner i am still taking a little bit longer than hoped to do most things, however i believe over time i will improve and everything will just become quicker and quicker! It is because of this realisation that i believe we should be introducing this form of technology from early years. (In controlled environments ofcourse!) By later primary and through secondary, students should then be quick and efficient with different technologies.

Blogging could be very useful in a classroom, with the proviso that teachers don't use it as the soul element of learning in the lesson. Teachers still need to teacher core content with productive pedogogies. Blogging is good for reflection,  analysis, researching further and sharing new information. Teachers must be aware of the TPCK framework and ensure that Technology is being used with productive pedagogy and the content to ensure productive learning.

Teachers must ensure they construct effective lesson plans, ensuring they keep and eye on students and what they are doing online. The biggest issue online is the safety of students. We must also ensure it is not another to cyber bully!

Bellow I have created a PMI table describing my opinions of Blogging in Classroom Education:

Plus	Minus	Implications
Collaboration among students Effective use of ICT in education Great analytical and reflective tool Encourages higher order thinking Wider audience Use outside of schooling hours (students can work on content outside of school) Place for uploading assessment	Online student safety Potential cyber bullying Can be time consuming Technology reliability (Something can and will go wrong!)	Connectivisim Student to student interaction and feedback Students growth Engagement outside of school hours

Finally, I have brainstormed a few ideas about how i can incorporate Blogging into my Music classroom:

• Get students to publish their performance, analytical and composition assignments onto their blogs. Other students and members of the public can also help give feedback before submission. 
• I could post videos and music with designated questions. This will all be related to core content. Students will complete questions and also comment on other students opinions. 
• Students can use their blog as a journal, reflecting their progress throughout the term. 
• Anything i find interesting, or i believe may help, i can post onto my blog and students can access this information at anytime! 

I would love to hear your opinions or additions to this matter. If you would like to respond please comment bellow