Chapter 3

"The true potential of blogs in schools comes when students and teachers use them as publishing tools."  I understand this and appreciate this statement but my problem is I feel as though I don't have the time to introduce this to my students.  For me to truly understand blogging and weblogs is for me to become a blogger!  I need to find the time and invest in this idea of "blogging" and make it a reality.  I know that one of the most valuable tools I have as a teacher is that if I truly believe in what I am doing or teaching then this more likely will then project onto my students in a positive way.

I was thrilled that within this chapter they recommended starting in small steps and also offered resources to look at such as; Supportblogging.com.  I could start small and just begin posting homework daily or questions of the day on my blog and this would allow me to become  more familiar with blogging. I think it is the "unknown" that seems to make me step back and not want to try something new.  I also will keep in mind the blog safety warnings and all the blog resources and software available.

Respone to Chapter 2 Web Logs

After learning about web logs, I realized that using a web log there is an audience for my ideas and I won't neccesarily ever get to see my audience which is kind of neat.  i can discuss my thoughts, opinions and feelings about something and receive feedback whethere it is positive feedback or constructive criticism.  I learned that a web long is ," easily create, easily updatad web site that allows  an author to publish  instantly to the Internet from any other Internet." 
I like the idea of having a class portal for my students, but I do feel my classroom is to young.  they are  in 4th grade and I feel like it would be a bit overwhelming for them and I ma not sure how parents would like the idea.  I guess Icould  try and use it to post my schedule, homework - I will have to think about that .I love the idea of having an "almost paper free" classroom because students can just go online and peer edit and look for their work reviewed by teachers and peers.  I think the best use of having a web log is that you can truly expand the walls of the classroom.  The collaboration can be easily accessible and more diverse!The chapter discussed how children are less fearless and adults with technology- and I would have to say that I do have a fear of technology- Always wondering if I am going to break something or if my work will just disappear in cyperspace.  I enjoyed this chapter  much more so than the frst chapter.

Response to Chapter 1

I was very bored with the first chapter.  It was somewhat interesting just to learn about the background of these web browsers but difficult to really get interested  in the reading  I did learn what a blog was which I never knew so that was interesting and realized that once I figure out what the heck I am doing it will be worth it to share ideas and thoughts with other people who have the same things in common.  As a new teacher, I am looking forward to sharing good teaching ideas and also getting good ideas from other teachers in the same grade level. 
     The social learning part of this chapter I was amazed by- The face that children are far ahead of teaches in almost every subject in computer literacy  The fastest growing age group for using the internet  is 2 to 5 years old- mind boggling!   It discusses the idea that the interment has now become a "strategy" for how to live, survive, and thrive in the 1st century.