Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Revising the GAME plan
As I mentioned in the last post, my GAME plan took a twist. I began to use kidblog to allow my students to use a new type of blog site that would allow them to not only respond to posts I created, but to create their own posts. The students love sharing their thoughts and ideas as well as creating their own threads. The only downside is that they are not using the blog at home like I would like. Several of my students lack internet connection, but for the others, I think they are just not used to communicating like this. They see homework as paperwork. I would like to build in some type of incentive to help them develop a habit of communicating outside of school.
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I have just found KIdBlog and LOVE it! I'm torn about whether I should switch to it or not. Are you currently using the free account? What do you think about the ease of use? I'd love to hear more as you continue using this blog!
ReplyDeleteI found this wonderful class who is also using Kidblog, and the students are blogging at home...it's amazing!!!
http://kidblog.org/MrsSurridgesclass/
Maybe you could share this site with your students and that could spur on the outside involvement of blogging that you desire. Good luck!
Maybe to get students to get connected online tell them you will put up a secret word each day and whoever gets the most words they will get some type of reward. This will at least get them to go online; and for students who are not connected to the internet allow them time to visit the blog during lunch, recess, or after school. Sometimes you have to provide an incentive; but hopefully they will start to get used to visiting the page and don't rely on the reward in the end. Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteHi Melody,
ReplyDeleteI wonder if it would work to add a puzzle--or challenge--maybe even for a prize or award?--to get students used to working from home. If they saw it as a game or puzzle, they might even organize amongst themselves to go to someone's house with internet or the library. Just thinking aloud. I find so many people love a puzzle.
Susan
These are great ideas and I can't wait to try them out. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMy colleagues and I have run across some of the same issues that you have with your students. Our reading program allows us to assign games and activities to our students in the areas they need more practice. Some students log on at home. However, most students lack the initiative. The great ideas shared in your replies have given me incentive ideas to work on.
ReplyDelete