STSD Curriculum & Technology Update

Regular updates and musings on curriculum and technology in the Salisbury Township School District in Allentown, PA.

Teaching Blogging

Our biggest challenge in education is thinking differently about using technology. The on-ramp to using these technologies is to apply them in ways that are familiar. But let’s not stop there! Technology can be a catalyst for change in the classroom - a shift from standard delivery to new ways that engage students differently.

One of those technologies is blogging. A common use of a weblog is for students to keep an electronic journal. This is a great start, but not enough! It doesn’t really take full advantage of the tool. In a recent article in the English Journal, Tiffany and Bud Hunt offer some suggestions for taking blogging to the next level.

1. Research-related posts - What questions do you have as you complete your research? What information are you finding? What resources are you using?
2. Class content posts - What questions do you have about the ideas and content being discussed in class?
3. Classmate-related posts - Read the work of others! Comment! What questions do you have about their work?

We will see the real power of these new technologies when they transform the way we do business in the classroom. If you’d like to use blogs in your class, please contact me. We are using a new blogging tool this year - 21classes. We would love to see the interest in student blogging grow!

Link to Linkin’ (B)logs: A New Literacy of Hyperlinks

Technology & Learning’s eBooks

Technology & Learning has a series of eBooks that may be useful as the committee develops our technology plan. Topics include:

• Interactive Whiteboards
• Internet Safety
• 1:1 Computing
• Preparing Students for the 21st Century
• Wireless Connectivity
• Digital Storytelling