I have been learning recently about how to use blogs in the classroom to enhance student learning. I think that they could be beneficial in the sense that you can use them to create classroom discussions in which all students are on an even playing field. However, I struggle with how to include my students in blogs as they are unable to write (either on paper or on the computer). My students have multiple disabilities (both physical and mental) and range from grades K-3, so including them in some activities is challenging. One idea I have is to collaborate with a teacher in the general curriculum to create a blog in which students can answer specific questions about classroom content (e.g. a story read, or science experiment) and pair the students up so that an advanced learner is with a student who might be struggling (including all students, not just students with disabilities). Depending on the student, I might make up a corresponding sheet using pictures so that a student can understand what is being asked even if they cannot read. I also might include multiple choices to the question using pictures so that the student can easily dictate their answers (especially if they are non-verbal). If the student is unable to type or put their responses to the blog into words, then their partner can help by typing their responses for them. Of course this is not fool-proof. Like most ideas, it has flaws. For example, students would have to be monitored carefully to ensure that one person is not just simply doing ALL of the work.
What do you think? Would this work? Do you have any other ideas that might help? I welcome your feedback!
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I think that would be a great idea! It would take a lot of thought and organization on the teachers part but I think if you are up for the task it could be manigable. I have been exploring the blog idea myself but a suggestion I'm not sure if it is possible but...if there is a place where you can turn a lot of the words into pictures. I think that might make things a little easier if they are able to click on the pictures in order to do some of their writing. Another suggestion could be doing class poles where they could just click their choice or favorite out of the options. Just a few suggestions. Let me know how things work out.
ReplyDeleteSusan,
ReplyDeleteBoth ideas you shared including pictures were really great...thank you. I have thought about that too, but I don't know if using pictures in this manner with blogs is possible. Does anyone know if it is possible to use pictures in blogs for students to select? Please share. Thanks!
Katie,
ReplyDeleteI understand your concern and have spoken with those that work with special needs children in my own building, but thought I would mention something that you have already hinted at in your blog which I have used in my own classroom.
I have used a picture blog before in my classroom and merely asked students to react. Although your students may not be able to type or write, I am sure they could give you a reaction that could be written into the blog. It is a very beneficial way, I have found, to include special needs students who have ideas to offer to the class.