RachelTustin: March 2008

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Week Four Reflection: Blogs in K-12

As we take a minute to set back and reflect on blogs and wikis, as a middle school teacher, I yearn to use them, but at the same time I know that at some point some child would post something inappropriate and ruin it for everyone. We have used the chatroom feature in blackboard, because we can delete anything inappropriate. The thing I don't like about being limited to blackboard is I can't get as much interaction between my students and outside experts as I would like - especially if we are doing an ongoing project. Therefore, I think the question I would like to ponder as we all get used to this format, is what measures can be used to make blog effective and useful in a k-12 format.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

That cat is just what I need

You're cat has managed to get me invited to post to your blog. I think everything is beginning to come together. I look forward to some serious reading and a great resource for sharing ideas.

The social aspect of learning.

Rachel,

Somewhere I just read that the way students learn today is different from the past in the aspect of the socialization that goes on while they are learning. There seems to be a need for students to socialize while learning. I am trying to figure out how to convince myself of this with my own students. That is I want test this out and be sure that I believe it. However, it does seem to be intuitively correct to me.

Rose Ann

I will cite that when I find it again for you.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Reflections

March 20 -I have enjoyed using this format this week much more than class. I think we are much more open and honest about our thoughts, and confusions outside of the confines of "class". I have seen most of your names in my classes this last year, but I feel like for the first time I am really getting to know some of you beside just your names. I am not sure how well I have even gotten to know the people I have done projects with besides the nagging of getting it done.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Rachel,

This has been a busy week to reflect upon. I have learned a lot and look forward to learning more. You have a great study partner. I wish I could have one or ten, but my husband is allergic to cats.

Rose Ann