Blogging as part of a 21st Century Classroom


Unit Objectives:

 

 

Image retrieved from: www.weblogcartoons.com

 

Activity 1: Introduction to Blogging

Focus Question: What is blogging?

 

Read through the well-designed Blogging Tutorial found on the following link: http://www.blogbasics.com/blog-tutorial-1-1.php.

 

Quick Content Review: Blogging means you write blogs. Blogs are web-based journals or entries that can range in purpose, use, and level of interaction.

 

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Activity 2: The Varying Uses of Blogging

Focus Question: In what different ways can blogs be used?

Blogs have different purposes, uses, and levels of interactivity.  Any individual, group, or organization can benefit from a blog.  This activity will help you see the differing uses of blogs in actions.

 

Visit each of the following websites listed on the attached worksheet (each one represents a different type of blog) complete the graphic organizer (Blog Analysis Data Collection Sheet.pdf ). The data sheet asks you to explore and analyze the blog in terms of purpose, audience, structure, and level of interaction.

 

Compare your answers to the answer key, located here: Blog Analysis Answer Key.pdf

 

*Note: All answer keys are possible responses.  Depending on how you interpret the lesson plan and any modifications you make, the skills addressed may vary. 

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Activity 3: Analyzing Lesson Plans that Utilize the Blog

Focus Question: Specifically, how can blogging be used in the Social Studies Classroom?

 

Directions: Use the lesson plan analysis form (same as prior units) to evaluate the following lesson ideas: Identifying 21st Century Skills in the Context of Social Studies Lesson Plans.pdf   Compare them with the answer key when you are finished.  

 

 

*Note: All answer keys are possible responses.  Depending on how you interpret the lesson plan and any modifications you make, the skills addressed may vary.  

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Activity 4: Designing your own Lesson Plan

Focus Question: How can blogging be utilized in your classroom?

Think about a specific 21st Century Skill (or multiple skills, but simplicity is helpful when first starting) and aspect of Social Studies that is relevant to your curriculum and brainstorm a lesson plan.  Focus on the following questions:

 

If you'd like to share your Blogging lesson plan, please post it in the comment section below.

 

 

Lesson 5: Reflecting on 21st Century Skills Technologies - What will your 21st Century Classroom Look Like