Last Friday we went to the computer lab to upload new essays to our Reading/Writing class blog. Students uploaded their narrative essays (stories) and in the process, I learned a few things about classroom blogging.
Some Glitches:
1. Two students never handed in their rough drafts yet directly uploaded their writings to the blog. Minor frustrations!!
2. As I was reviewing one of these rough drafts in "edit post", I clicked one wrong button and accidentally deleted the essay. So, I contacted the student and asked him to upload it again (*face palm*). We're on spring break so it might take some time before he responds.
Some Surprises:
1. Students got more involved in the comments. First, I must admit that they are assigned to write constructive comments on their classmates essays. It's forced participation. However, this time around some of the comments have turned into conversations. Students are starting to find pleasure in reading peer feedback about their essays. They've been checking on their comment section for the past few days and responding.
2. Students in other classes have visited the blog. This is how I know: a few students have commented directly on the blog. And, a former student of mine referenced a story from the blog on Facebook: I liked it ;) Cool story :)
Some Revelations:
1. The class blog will be a keepsake. Half the class will leave SUNY New Paltz after this semester. They are exchange students. As a group, we will never be together again. The blog can become a kind of souvenir. This gets me thinking of how we can make it more oriented on current experiences.... Next up is comparison essays so perhaps they could be on the topic of their life in the U.S.
2. Promoting the blog adds excitement. I've posted our class blog on various TESOL/ESL Facebook pages, including our department ESL page and have e-mailed it to teacher friends. When an outsider comments on a student's essay, now that is exciting and it is so gratifying for the writer! Love it!
So, please visit La Paloma, our Spring 2012 Reading/Writing class blog and leave a comment if you'd like! :)
Some Glitches:
1. Two students never handed in their rough drafts yet directly uploaded their writings to the blog. Minor frustrations!!
2. As I was reviewing one of these rough drafts in "edit post", I clicked one wrong button and accidentally deleted the essay. So, I contacted the student and asked him to upload it again (*face palm*). We're on spring break so it might take some time before he responds.
Some Surprises:
1. Students got more involved in the comments. First, I must admit that they are assigned to write constructive comments on their classmates essays. It's forced participation. However, this time around some of the comments have turned into conversations. Students are starting to find pleasure in reading peer feedback about their essays. They've been checking on their comment section for the past few days and responding.
2. Students in other classes have visited the blog. This is how I know: a few students have commented directly on the blog. And, a former student of mine referenced a story from the blog on Facebook: I liked it ;) Cool story :)
Some Revelations:
1. The class blog will be a keepsake. Half the class will leave SUNY New Paltz after this semester. They are exchange students. As a group, we will never be together again. The blog can become a kind of souvenir. This gets me thinking of how we can make it more oriented on current experiences.... Next up is comparison essays so perhaps they could be on the topic of their life in the U.S.
2. Promoting the blog adds excitement. I've posted our class blog on various TESOL/ESL Facebook pages, including our department ESL page and have e-mailed it to teacher friends. When an outsider comments on a student's essay, now that is exciting and it is so gratifying for the writer! Love it!
So, please visit La Paloma, our Spring 2012 Reading/Writing class blog and leave a comment if you'd like! :)
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