Blog Review # 2: The Griffin http://jpreshaw.edublogs.org/

Blog Review # 2:

I came across an edublog that exemplifies how blogs can be effectively used with primary students.  J. Preshaw is a Grade 2/3 teacher in British Columbia with an interactive classroom blog.  His blog is a very good example of how to integrate technology into daily teaching practice.  I am particularly impressed with the design, content and privacy in his class blog.

The design is very clean, clear and simple, with the title, links and a graphic of the B.C. mountains as a header.  These primary students are involved in hands on learning of the global nature of blogs and the internet.  There is an interactive world map, a flag counter showing where visitors are located and Google translator.  He also lists books the class enjoys.  On the main page, each student has a link to their own section of the blog where they respond to class assignments.  They personalize their own blog in very creative ways!   Mr. Preshaw, parents and others who read their entries are able to leave individualized comments for each student. 

Students respond to assigned activities in their blog.  Assignments range from writing tasks such as poetry, to math concepts like bar graphs.  Students can also insert relevant photos as part of their response.  There are also links to weekly spelling lists for each grade level.  My favourite part of this edublog is the “Wonderwall” on the home page. The teacher posts an interesting and thought-provoking image and students comment on the main page for all to see.  He then responds to many of their comments.  The pictures are designed to develop critical thinking skills, often reflecting current events.  Examples of pictures used include a large rock seemingly balanced on a smaller rock, cars submerged in water from Hurricane Sandy and a ship in the middle of a street in a big city.  One boy commented “I wonder how that boat got there. I wonder what they do on that boat. Is it a cruise ship for people that are afraid of the water?” What a great way to encourage self-expression, and stimulate conversations!

Finally, his commitment to privacy on the internet is very evident.  There is not one picture of the teacher, students or his classroom anywhere on the blog.  On the “About” link there is a graphic / clip art of a man, presumably resembling Mr. Preshaw.  Or not.  He does not list the name of the school or location in British Columbia.  Safety guidelines for commenting are clearly listed and students use their first name only. Internet safety is a concern, especially with younger students and he has done an excellent job creating a safe and interesting classroom blog.  As a parent, I would appreciate all of his efforts to integrate technology and internet safety.  These students are learning at a young age how to think critically, respond appropriately to others and creatively design their own space.

 

As a Grade 1 teacher, I can see aspects of this blog that could be adapted for the emerging skills of first grade.  I would definitely adapt the Wonderwall feature, include weekly spelling lists, include maps and flags of visitors and favourite class books.  By mid-grade 1, I feel students could begin to develop their own blog space after many lessons on internet safety and a general knowledge of basic computer skills.  Check out this great blog!

http://jpreshaw.edublogs.org/