Using Blogs to Meet Standards in the ESL Classroom

When thinking about using technology in the classroom, I think two mistakes are often made.  The first one is to use technology just for the sake of using it and not reflecting about whether it is actually enhancing the learning experience for students.  It seems that sometimes people think that just because it is done with technology it is automatically better.  This is not necessarily true.  I think that teachers should really reflect about how the technology is being incorporated and if it is really improving the experience or just being used for its own sake.  There is nothing wrong with using a traditional method if it is effective and engaging!  Having said this, I think the other mistake teachers may make is to keep doing what they have always done and NOT look for ways to incorporate new ideas, including technology.  The explosion and availability of technology has transformed the world and using these technologies has the potential to transform classrooms as well.  As with anything that teachers do, the important thing is to be thoughtful, critical, reflective, and willing to try new things!

One use of technology that I think could be beneficial is the use of blogs in the ESL classroom.  There are many ways that blogging can enhance the learning experience. 

One example of this is having students complete writing assignments and post them to a class blog could provide more opportunities for collaboration than there would be in the classroom, especially among the students.  The students could read each other’s posts, comment, and give feedback in ways that would be cumbersome to do with more than just one or two students in the classroom.  This would provide the students with more interaction than they might have had with traditional writing assignments.

The teacher could also post links to websites which provide students with examples of authentic language that they can use, react to, and comment on.  This could provide students with more opportunities to see the language used in an authentic setting.  The students could also contribute things they have found (pre-approved by the teacher, of course J), as well.  This would be engaging for students as it would automatically be tailored to the interests of the particular class.

A blog could also provide a way for teachers, students, and parents to communicate with each other.  Important information and dates could be posted as well as summaries of what was done in class for students who were absent (or need a reminder!)  The students could each take turns at posting the summary of the day’s activity, which could also be added to or modified by the teacher.  This could also allow an opportunity to reflect on what has gone on in class for the day.  Students could post observations and questions which could be answered by the teacher or their classmates.

I think that using blogs in this way is could be an effective way to incorporate technology and make the classroom a more engaging place.  In addition, several New York State Learning Standards would be addressed including: 

Standard 1:  Students will listen, speak, read, and write in English for information and understanding

Standard 2:  Students will listen, speak, read, and write in English for literary response, enjoyment, and expression
Standard 3:  Students will listen, speak, read, and write in English for critical analysis and evaluation
Standard 4:  Students will listen, speak, read, and write in English for classroom and social interaction