Educational uses for blogs

As stated in FSO's dashboard link, "Through blogging, students can improve writing skills, learn from each other, add information, and become more confident in their knowledge. Students learn to write responsibly" (Solomon & Schrum, 2007). Bingo! I'm totally committed. Trying to work with students and get them motivated to write better is my Action Research. I can see the excitement in the student's eyes when they are asked to blog. I can see the excitement when the kids have to write the script, but are more focused on performing it. I can see the excitement when the kids draw cartoons and then learn to make them into graphic short stories. The trick is to have them practice their writing without calling it writing. And perform it! If kids are responsible to each other in front of everyone else--they will do their darnedest to do a great job. Blogging is the future and it is now. The sooner we get our students online in the blogosphere, the better!