Thing #3 - What to Use My Blog For

I think using blogs is a great idea because it is an easy and quick way to communicate on anything you want. I was not 100% sure what was meant by your teacher education program. I did not know if it meant while I was in the MAT program or when I am a teacher. So I decided to answer both.

While in the MAT program it would be great to post my experiences, what I think about everything, what I am having problems in, a place to ask for some suggestions, and offer my tips if I found something easy. I feel like a lot of us are going through the same thing and it's great to get feedback and help.

When I become a teacher I will apply my blog in the same way. I'll ask for help or ideas if I am struggling to come up with some creative ideas of my own. I think it is great resource and outlet. In one of my previous classes my professor had us go on a teacher blog where teachers vented, offered stress tips, what to expect when you first become a teacher, and some great online websites.

In my classroom, I want to create a class blog where my students can do several things: discuss what they want to focus on, what they're enjoying or not liking, and for them to be able to talk with each other. The blog would be a casual, informal place for my students to chat about whatever they want (appropriately of course). When I was in high school no teacher ever asked "what needs more focus," "what are you enjoying or having problems with," or even gave a place to talk freely. I plan to teach high school English and believe creativity and an open forum is important for my students to get everything out of the class that they want and what I want them to get.

It would also be a great reference point. I could post websites for writing formats, authors we're reading and links to other pieces, and upcoming events (tests, projects,presentations, etc). This will also help keep parents informed and up to date with things going on in the class. I really do think blogging will be a unique and fun communicating tool.