I find that with blogging the hardest part is where to start. I feel that the fear of the unknown with technology can be overwhelming and exciting at the same time. Instead of balking at it, why not embrace what we will be the future.
Blog writing genres can relate to interest. Many people will read a blog they are interested in for informational purposes. I find myself reading blogs to compare notes on consumer items I am interested in purchasing. As far as students, the blogs need to be designed in a way that promotes rigor at the same time relevance. If it is not relevant to students, they may dismiss it. Our unit asked us to offer ways we would blog with kids. I think we need to choose the genre that will interest them. Blogging in general can be a method for students to engage without using a voice that is heard.
Blogs are a great way for kids to communicate in ways they would not express vocally. Teachers need to keep a handle on the language used. Blogs are a newer genre as a method of expression. While a child may not be the best artist, their technology may be what is most comfortable.
Sorry to ramble.
Wendy, Thanks for your blog post. The instructions ask that you cite some examples from the class unit. I do not see that you have done that. We want to be sure that you are working through the unit and gaining new learnings, since you are all working online and pretty independently. Check out Denise's blog entry to get an idea of the references to links and the text that we are hoping for in the blog. You might want to post again, including in that post some specifics you encountered.
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