Using Blogs Effectively - RSS Feeds

        In order to use a blog effectively and efficiently as a supplement to the classroom, I believe it requires commitment, practice, and continual adaptation. I also believe that the teacher needs to set clear expectations for the blog, understand and set limits regarding time and interactions, and adapt to transform the process to best enhance learning.

        Managing the number of blogs you wish to read first requires setting priorities and learning the most efficient methods to access those blogs. I did try the RSS feed (Post(Atom). I believe this feature is somewhat benefitial. The feed is easy to access under favorites and assists in the organization of your reading priorities. Another nice feature:  When I click on a feed, the blog is transformed into a more easy to read format which only includes the important content and is not drowned out by advertisements and clutter.

Top 10 Reasons to Use a Blog in the Classroom

Professional Journal Articles

1.  Blogging and Student Teaching
In the journal Computers and Education, the article, "Towards a Framework for Educational Affordances of Blogs" highlights the use of blogs as a social tool for student teachers to self-reflect, vent charged emotions regarding their experiences, and demonstrate support for one another. The reported research found this outcome to be the most valuable result of the study of the use of blogs for student teachers.

I found the result of this study interesting. After watching a recent National Geographic documentary on Stress, I learned that actually having a forum to vent feelings, discuss experiences, and relate with others going through similar life experiences is a way of reducing and even recovering from the negative effects of stress on our bodies.

2.  Blogging to enhance Learning 
The journal article "Blended Learning with Everyday Technologies to Activate Students' Collaborative Learning" in Science Education International discusses the use of social software blended with the typical classroom environment to enhance learning for students. Blogging was noted as one of 10 various types of social software. This article reasoned that many students are already very familiar with social software and use it on a daily basis. Therefore, this blended approach maintains much potential and motivational value.

Introduction

My name is Heather Bashor.  I am pursuing a Master’s of Arts in Teaching Secondary Mathematics.  I am a proud wife and mother of three young children, Hannah, Adeline, and Elijah.  I spend much of my time participating in kindergarten, preschool, and toddler related activities including the membership coordinator and team captain of a preschool cooperative.  My hobbies include running and sports in general, and I have competed in a number of 5k and 10k races as well as a mini-triathlon.  I previously served six years in the Air Force on active duty and one year in the Air Force Reserves as a Linguist and Tactics Analyst. I currently serve in the Oregon Air National Guard. 

I look forward to learning about the possibilities and power of using blogs in education. I hope to gain a strong basis and understanding in order to develop and use this tool as a main component in establishing and operating my classroom environment.