2. Page 1 Blogging in the Classroom Presented to the Memphis City Schools Board of Education To Increase Proficency on TCAP Writing Assessments Presented by: Allison D. Hill MCS ESL Teacher

3. Page 2 Why Blogging in the Classroom? Currently all 5th, 8th, and 11th grade MCS students are required to pass the TCAP Writing Assessment As of this current school year, they are required to submit there essays typed online Blogging in the classroom is a great innovation to help the students to practice typing and writing essays and responses online. This will allow students to prepare for the test Blogging will allow both the teacher and other students to provide feedback to each student about their writing

4. Page 3 Positives and Negatives of Blogging Positives: Blogging Improves Students word count for typing, Allows peers and teachers to give helpful feedback Promotes academic success in writing Negatives: Have to have access to a computer Have to have access to the internet to complete

5. Page 4 What does the research say? Several Articles reveal that: Blogging improved students attitudes toward writing Improved success rates within writing Blogging Strengthens reading, writing, and technology skills Blogging extends learning beyond the classroom article for Blogging in Classroom.pdf Blog Article2.pdf Blogging Article 3.pdfBlogging Article 3.pdf

6. Page 5 The History of Blogging How did Blogging start? James Monro posted the first one time only blog post, because he died shortly after. Carolyn Duke created the first online diary. Jorn Barger was the first to actually call his blogging a web blog.

7. Page 6 Who will be the Change Agents for Blogging? INNOVATORS: English, Reading, ESL, and Technology Teachers and Administrators ADOPTERS: Students in grades fourth through eleventh

8. Page 7 Minor Problems Students and Teachers May Encounter: Problems signing in to your account Posting and Editing Custom domain issues Layout and template issues Terms of Service and security Laggard Teachers who Oppose this Innovation

9. Page 8 Tips for First Time Teachers Using Blogging http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=6RNQriKNY3M

10. Page 9 Questions? Questions? Questions? Will the cost be a problem? Will accessibility be a problem? Will it take a long time to see the results? Will we have to purchase new equipment or software? Is there a limited availability for blog space? Will commercialization be a problem? Will production or manufacturing be a issue?

11. Page 10 NO!

12. Page 11 How do the students fill about Blogging? Students who have been introduced to blogging share their top ten responses: Easier to read books Post everything from web links to articles Everybody gets the same experience Interactive Convenient Helps ESL students with English Electronic Agenda No embarrassing moments like having to participate in class Available through Internet Find out others opinions about your work Watch Video to see more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfJETK3am1M http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfJETK3am1M

13. Page 12 References: Ellison, N., & Wu, Y. (2008). Blogging in the Classroom: A Preliminary Exploration of Student Attitudes and Impact on Comprehension. Journal Of Educational Multimedia And Hypermedia, 17(1), 99-122. Helmer, J. W., & Bloch, N. (2010). Teaching Geography in the Blogosphere. Geography Teacher, 7(2), 73-76. Poling, C. (2005). Blog On: Building Communication and Collaboration Among Staff and Students. Learning & Leading with Technology. Featured Videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfJETK3am1M http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RNQriKNY3M