Teaching Guide for BLOG IT!
BLOG IT! (A Webquest in On-line Community) is a summative assessment project for a middle school Creative Writing/Technology Class. The class is a hybrid class where students learn how to use technology (primarily computer software, computer peripherals and Internet applications) and practice their writing skills through journal, narrative, persuasive and expository writing
Introduction
There are many ways for our students to learn. They learn through direct instruction, reading, application and discussion. It is this discussion that the BLOG IT! Wequest is based upon. Students are communicating in multiple ways. They talk. They talk on the phone. They write. They write notes. They write email. They write text messages. They write instant messages. They write, comment and participate in Web 2.0.
This unit is meant to engage students on the world wide web in a BLOG. A blog is an abbreviation of the term Web Log. For the most part, BLOGS are like journals that are posted on line as a means of expression and as inspiration for conversation. There can be all sorts of conversations going on in the world wide web; this unit will utilize that discussion and cultivate an appreciation for the discussions taking place on BLOGS around the world.
* As relates to David Loreto’s teaching, BLOG IT! (A Webquest in On-line Community) is a summative assessment project for a middle school Creative Writing/Technology Class. The class is a hybrid class where students learn how to use technology (primarily computer software, computer peripherals and Internet applications) and practice their writing skills through journal, narrative, persuasive and expository writing.
The BLOG IT! webquest is a summative assessment that requires students to perform all the skills they have learned in a creative writing class. The will practice their writing, design, research and creative skills to produce a website that relates to their lives directly. They are given autonomy to create a website that demonstrates knowledge, understanding and application of their learning.
- To create a website.
- To create a space for your school community to engage in conversation.
- To apply writing skills in the creation of multiple forms of media.
The students for this lesson are middle school (Grade 6-8) students. They are in an urban school district in the United States of America. The socio economic status of a majority of the families is lower middle class to working poor. The majority of students are Mexican American; there is about ninety-five percent Hispanic/Hispanic American descent in the study body. There are also representation of Caucasian and African American students. The class is an inclusion class with students that have IEPs and 504 plans. Most students are able to be included with an aide. At times, teaching aides are in the room to give extra assistance to identified students as well as general student body.
Before starting a project/unit like BLOG IT!, students should have experience in the following:
• Have knowledge of using an Internet Browser and navigating from one site to another.
• Have knowledge of a BLOG! and how to use a BLOG.
• Students should have a valid email address that maybe used to set up any necessary accounts.
• Accounts to a self-publishing blog website like Blogger, Wordpress, et cetera.
• Experience/knowledge of the writing process/creative process.
The subject matter is a combination of technology, language arts and social science. Students will be using technology and writing skills to create media that reports on the school community.
At the completion of the webquest, students will understand the process of creating a BLOG, the process of engaging a community in discussion and the process and value of working in a team.
Students will be able to:
- Identify components of a website.
- Research: Researching school community to decide and create content by interviewing, video recording and photographing events in school.
- Write to a specific audience.
- Make editorial decisions (what things to feature on BLOG, layout of BLOG, censoring comments, et cetera).
- Understand the process of creating media publication (specifically a BLOG).
- Computers with Internet Connection
- Web design software
- Valid Email accounts
- Word Processing Software
- Internet Browser Software
Plan for Assessment and Evaluation
Assessment Link to Webquest