It is always worthwhile to stop a minute and reflect on how things are going. When a school blog has been running for a year then it seems a good time to reflect.
I wonder what needs more work in the coming year?
Even the keen teachers sometimes find it difficult to write very regularly and school blogs and websites should not stand still. I previously had my own idea that blogs should be updated every week…and I still think that is a good idea. But I think it is more difficult until the teacher/class/student feels that there are people waiting to read what you write. That readership provides the two way channel that will ensure the blog gets updated regularly and is very motivating. It will not happen over night though and hanging on in there, seeking out others with similar interests and all the other things that successful bloggers say are relevant.
Although the children have some home access they tend not to update their blogs unless specific time is allocated in school. As has been said forcefully elsewhere the key is in engaging in conversations with others, but in the case of the children even this is not enough. Whereas if I ever get a comment on my own blog I am thrilled and reply within the hour (or so!) the children are much more laid back and will not reliably respond.
I think this happens for a number of reasons. Part of it is the age: these children are from 8 to 10 and do not socially network as readily as slightly older children (not absolutely sure about that). Ownership must be an issue too. We have given them their own blogs but have to retain some control, and we moderate all comments; so the blog is theirs, but not absolutely. We have also tried to encourage them to use them in a school related context and obviously to support their writing.
I think that we just need to hang on in and also to consider dedicated curriculum time for them to blog. We should continue to build in curriculum opportunities that we will support through blogging. Finally I think we need to note when they are getting comments and to be very pro-active in supporting them to respond and engage.
No comments yet.