How could we use blog for teaching

When students go back home and finish their homework, almost all of them will turn on the computer and surf the Internet and a large quantity among them are skillful bloggers. So why not use this vogue tool to improve their study?

1. Blog could make students more clear about the course content if I post links and documents of sources in my lesson plan. Those sources will assist them to be well prepared before class. For example, I’ll post a video clip about history and renovation of Statue of Liberty if our class is related to famous scenic spots in America. Specific choices depend on the proficiency of my students. Or I’ll let them do a survey for preview. In that way, students will be motivated and more active through multimedia instead of merely the textbooks.

2.Blog could be used as feedback receiver and free discussion facilitator, especially for those students who are shy to ask questions face to face after class. Although email can surely be used as a tool to interact with students, blog is more direct and instant than email because there are always lots of other contacts and information in our mailbox.  However, I could open up a Q& A section per week for students who have any doubts on their classes. When one student posts a question, all others could post their answers and I may leave some comments to each question.  What’s more, they could post any material, like helpful websites and interesting video, which may benefit their classmates in Sharing section. Any feedback about the lesson and me is welcomed in Feedback section to enhance my professional skill as well as intimate relationship with students.

We may find standards corresponding to this post through the link below:

 ACTFL Standards

Standard 1.1: Students engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions

Standard 5.1: Students use the language both within and beyond the school setting