Educational Blogs

Before creating a blog for your class, below are two examples that may give you some ideas.

1) The KinderKids' Blog

http://classblogmeister.com/syndicate.php?userid=51141

I came across this blog when looking for something on Eric Carle's book; The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The blog shows a variety of ways students in Early Stage 1 can make use of their new literacy skills across the KLAs. It includes students' artwork, class videos, reports of special visitors they have had in the classroom, links to websites and messages from teachers.

One of the great aspects of this blog is it shows how connected the students can be with others. This class has blogging mentors; a group of university students in Canada who they call using Skype and talk to regularly to receive feed back on how their blog is going...very cool!

2) Sunshine Coast Grammar School

http://www.scgs.qld.edu.au/school_life/grammar_central/blogs/group/2.php

This school has adopted blogging on several levels including teachers and students.

It is a bit on the formal side but a good example to show students how blogging is a useful communication tool for the school community. I would think this blog is more suitable for upper primary years or maybe school leaders. Students can see how easy it is to post friendly reminders about upcoming school events such as 'pancake day' or report on school / student achievements from sport carnivals or inter-school events.

Powerpoint jpg image

Check out the jpg image

Copyright

Can I copy material from the Internet for research?

The short answer is yes but conditions apply!

According to the Australian Copyright Council (see link below), you can use copyright material for the purpose of research or study provided your use is 'fair.'

The Act deems fair as;

10% the number of pages or 1 chapter from a hard copy edition OR

10% the number of words or 1 chapter for material published in electronic form.

http://www.copyright.org.au/pdf/acc/infosheets_pdf/g053.pdf/download

Can students (university or school) use music in videos that they make?

Again another interesting question and one that you need to visit the Australian Copyright Council using the link provided below to get the official response.

The document indicates that most primary and secondary schools have a joint licence agreement that allows them to make certain videos using an audio recordings of music. Provided the use of music in videos is not shown outside the classroom or distributed further, they are permitted use. 

Given the recent media attention to this issue, I suggest the school is certain of their rights as the fines of using music without the proper licence are significant.

http://www.copyright.org.au/g038.pdf

Week 4 New Ideas

Follow the link below to see some interesting work being done in schools using 'blogging.'

Key ideas include;

*Establishing blogging etiquette with your students such as blogging rules, editing requisites, reflective openers.

*Utilising blogging across the KLAs including English, history, science

*Connecting learning with other schools around the world as you share knowledge and ideas

Pericles, K. (2008). Happily blogging @ Belmore South. SCAN, 27(2), 4-6http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/schoollibraries/

The article below provides a great insight into how teachers can involve students with new technologies before, during and after lessons.

Key ideas include;

*Establishing reading buddies in the classroom where two students use IM (instant messaging) to pair share ideas about a book they are reading.

*Create a book blog that allows students to share thoughts, ideas and opinions as they read the chapters.

*Wright Techies, where a group of students who are considered tech-savvy are used to assist teachers and younger students during class computer time.

Barone, D., & Wright, T. E. (2008). Literacy instruction with digital and media technologies. The Reading Teacher, 62(4), 292-302

Video Review

This video highlights the issues surrounding the reliability of information available on the internet; the question of what is a reliable resource. It stresses the importance of students asking questions about what they are reading, who the intended audience might be, who owns the information and who might benefit from providing this information. That is to say, ask critical questions. 

Kid Friendly Search Engines

Hey Guys,

I've found a great website called Kigose to help out the younger ones with their research and school projects.

The site is best for ages 7-15 years, the layout and font make it easy to navigate around the page and the websites and information appear safe and reliable. Give it a go!  

New Literacies

Sal's take on 'new literacies'

The knowledge and skills gained from using and interacting with new technologies as they become available including IM, Myspace, Twitter, Skype. In doing so students area able to share, construct and interact with audiences anywhere, anytime.