Because it is such a timesaver. All you need to do is register (it’s free!!!!!) and then plug in all the blog sites you want to keep an eye on!

How good is it? Well, only one way to find out — try it! Go to http://www.bloglines.com.

Hmmmm…light bulb goes on…

This is a great way to write down class/school rules, assignments, instructions, etc.!
Okay, 6th graders, you will be the first class to experience this technological wonder!

From Blog #1:

1. Bronwyn G Says:Mrs Naz,you sure do learn quickly!Many of the students aren’t using categories yet and it is slightly distracting, for instance.

   What have you learnt about your students thus far that you would like to share with them and us? Do you have more insights as into the nature and degree of their learning which will help you in your curriculum planning and teaching?

   Do you think blogs will make you a better teacher? Why/why not?

   What a good idea! Students will blog more regularly and it will then become a habit, won’t it?

2. Steve Says:I think its good that you enjoy the blog. Maybe someday we can comment on each other. And if you do, could you call me Stevie Wonder?
3. NICK Says:Mrs. Naz I totally agree with you I think blogging can be exciting to I hope you keep with this.
4. Phoebe Says:I agree with Steve. Blogging is fun and enjoyable. Please look at our blogs. If you did, please COMMENT!!!!!!!

From Blog #2:

1. Bronwyn G Says:Thought Manager sounds like an excellent idea for the outlines.Enjoy and learn!Graffiti sounds like an interesting game …
2. Brian Says:Are we allowed to play the giraffing game too? Will you teach us Mrs. Naz.?
3. Phoebe Says:Yeah. Can you show us how to play that game too? By the way, who’s Mrs. Chua?

1. splashblogging
2. “giraffing”
3. round “tabling”
4. margi “presenting”

Splashblogging is very interesting because you can take photos using your digital camera or handheld camera and then immediately upload it to the splashblopg site — either through your computer or handhelp, if it is equipped with wifi or bluetooth connections.

Giraffing — what is it? Well, it is a very interesting and stimulating game that teaches you how to use graffiti. Teacher Rolly made us play the game and try to reach at least 1500 points. Unfortunately, Mrs. Chua beat my score (I scored 1609 and she scored 1737), making her Giraffe Champion BUT NOT FOR LONG!!! Ms. Noche came from behind (and stayed behind) with a staggering 350 (that’s with extra credit of 50 points for recruiting Chris Evola!).

By the way, I am so happy to see Chris in our class! He is our link to the Upper School. He is very excited about using the handhelds in the 8th grade conceptual physics class! Hopefully, this extends to the upper school science classes…Hey, Dr. Odi and Mr. Stanley, join us!

Round “tabling” — basically, this is the technical term for grown-ups in the handheld class sitting around a round table trying to discuss the merits of handhelds in education while trying to score Giraffe points. Well, okay, it’s not only that…we looked at some magazines and I was able to find some handheld programs I want to try out. For instance, thought manager can help students learn how make outlines. I want to try this out on my 6th grade geography classes.

Finally, “margi presenter-to-go” and “mirror” is an amazing device program that allows you to project programs in your handheld to a big screen. This allows you to teach with ease. You can even upload your power point presentation and project it through the handheld.

Well, that’s it — abadi-abadi-abadi-that’s all folks!

I think blogging is a very valuable teaching tool — not only for academics but more so into gaining insights into your students’ personalities. As a teacher, I think this is a very eye-opening experience for me and I will surely be an active blog user.

I am going to suggest that students blog everyday (maybe for the first ten minutes of their computer time) about their different subjects and tell the other subject teachers to check and reply to their blogs.

ta-dah!