Blogging+in+the+Science+Lab


 * Problem of moochers and hoarders in the classroom
 * short class periods
 * closely monitored curriculare pacing
 * was resorting to "lecture discussions" after a lab...not good, but still did it.
 * then
 * established student lab teams based upon ZPD, Gardner's Multiple Intelligencies and student choice...never made them work with any student they identified as not wanting to work with
 * teacher set up her blog and let students commnet
 * then setup the student accounts
 * Blog must be designed properly....critical
 * think about what is your expected outcome?
 * what do you want your students to accomplish?
 * design it around those expectations
 * some options....
 * provide a prompt
 * examine different variables
 * daily journaling -- uses it most for this
 * disection results
 * lab notebook
 * other content
 * photoblogs
 * podcasts
 * sketchblogs
 * portfolios
 * videoblogs
 * vblogs
 * present a unique opportunity for collaboration
 * seamliss groups/periods
 * group composition was irrelivent
 * students were posting cross groups both within a classperiod and others
 * removes time limits of the classroom
 * finds that collaboration happens best when done outside of class...students seem to be reflecting more then
 * Using Macs and the software that comes with the server.
 * Outcomes
 * Increased communications
 * improved labl report writing
 * increased insigh
 * cover more content in less time
 * Increased reflection by students
 * sense of community
 * suggestions
 * provide good example as the teacher
 * students will read the blog and comment
 * give students ample time to reflect
 * blogs can be as brainstorming for a lab report or take the place of the lab report
 * encourage student owernship - let them chatter at times
 * consider student computer home access
 * consider securityand privacy