I often hear parents complain that they don't know what their children are doing at school. What better way to keep parents involved in their child's education than the use of a classroom blog? Classroom blogs can be used to promote literacy and to recommend practices parents can use to improve their childs academic skills. What happens if as a teacher, I create a classroom blog and all of the students and their families do not have access to a computer? I think that incorporating technology in the classroom comes with its own set of limitations. Many of the elementary school classrooms I have been in have 2-3 computers for student use at best, and students generally only have access to the computer lab on a weekly basis. Moreover, statistics show that African Americans and Latinos are much less likely to have access to home computers than are white, non-latino students.
Good question. I guess you print up the blog and send it home with the student.
ReplyDeleteThat is a problem, and unfortunately a lack of technological access is going to become a bigger and bigger problem for people who don't have access at home. I think it's something you will need to assess at the beginning of the year and then work from that. Susan had a great idea, you may just need to print it up!
ReplyDeleteGood insights and question. I think a blog is just one way to possibly reach out to students. Most likely teachers have to use a combination of methods - perhaps a blog and a newsletter, etc.
ReplyDeleteMaybe if there are students that don't have access to the technology at home they can use the resources at school during a certian time so they can benefit from at least knowing how the technology works. Good question!
ReplyDeleteThis is a good question because this is a problem for several families. Carley's suggestion is really good. I might also explain to students and their parents that they can get free computer access at the local public library, and that even if they were able to access your class blog only once a week, it would still be beneficial. This would be a good way to promote literacy as well.
ReplyDelete