Blog #3

I think a class blog would be an excellent way to keep an elementary class involved in what they're learning, as well as encourage many additional skills. First, the technological resources available to students are ever-increasing, and anything being covered in class can be investigated in such greater detail using the Internet as a resource, and a blog to funnel it all! For instance, a 4th grade class studying cultural differences throughout the world can learn how to incorporate research skills, as well as teamwork (assigning 3 or 4 students to a blog assignment each week), into their learning experience. This helps them rely not only on what their teacher is telling them, but encourages them to dig further and use their own creative inspirations as well!

One of the greatest problems that will surely only continue to grow is safety and censorship challenges when children are turned loose on the Internet. Even the best filters cannot shield out all of the things that 8-10 year-olds should not be exploring without supervision. At the same time, can we spread ourselves so thin that we can monitor each student's Internet activity, even when in the school? How will we ensure they focus and stay on task, when young minds are being trained to hop from one idea to the next within a matter of minutes.

After browsing briefly, kiddk.com seems to be a fun and interesting resource that young students as well as teachers could have access to for activities (both individual and classroom), games, discussion prompts, lesson plans, and study guides. There are also many links to additional resources for books and websites that are more detailed on specific subjects. Everything is fun, and educational!