Using Blogs at Markham in IT and Computer Science
Context
The IT Department is trying Blogger as a collaboration with Peter Kvietok in History
We are looking to use Blogger for supplementary material (see below) for exam classes and to display work for S2
We are already using Moodle for class materials and quizzes
We currently have 3 Blogs
– http://markhamigcsecomsci.blogspot.pe/ IGCSE discussion and news topics
– http://markhamibcomsci.blogspot.pe/ IB discussion and news topics
– http://markhams2it.blogspot.pe/ S2 student work
Purpose of Blogs for examination students
Extension materials
News Items
Fringe topics
Hints and tips
Extend curriculum
Challenge students
Allow non-verbal collaboration, posts and comments
Possible uses lower down school
Students create own blogs in IT or other subject
Teachers use Blogs to display work or current topic news
Teachers use blogs for special events
Subjects use blogs as newsletter or diary
Whole school blogs for school news
Advantages of Blogs
Students add comments without peer pressure
Diary (chronological) structure
Teacher can post supplementary materials e.g. hints and tips, starters quickly and neatly
Teachers and students can post
Others can comment
Simple structure and easy to use
Can share with other schools/ students
Conclusions So far
Computer Science/IT has Blogs for IGCSE, IB and S2 (see above)
Now over 50 entries on IGCSE Blog
Over 1500 page views. Hits from all over the world
Good response from students
All students have contributed in exam classes
No problems with unsuitable entries
Blogger has proved very easy and quick to use, add entries and maintain
Blogs are great for starter activities, can be used in various ways, e.g. to set a question or quick quiz
Blogs can be used as back up activity or for extension work
Students comments are very interesting and insightful
Also posts are very interesting to a wider audience or TOK
Would be nice to share with other schools and via Google + to increase visibility