How I could use blogs in my class…

Learning by using blogs provides another way for students to access and exchange more information in this knowledge-based economy world. Language is an essential factor for communicating, that is, the bridge for conveying ideas. Learning language by using blog could be the mediation of communicating. It responds to what Richardson stated “Class Portal.” The teacher could post any related documents on the blog. The key point is that how learners learn efficiently to achieve the standard of learning by using blogs.


First of all, I think organization is the vital element of using a blog. Since I teach in elementary school, the simpler the better. There’d be four main sections of my blog: student’s own blog link section, in class section, homework section, and materials section. For the first section, the students will post what their URL is to let others have the quickest way to access it. The students might be asked to write or voice recording two to three diaries each week on their blogs by using English. This could be done by using “Voice Thread.” For the in class section, I’d like to post what the coming topic is on the blog beforehand, and write the feedback after class. The feedback could include the solution for the problem solving task in class, the difficult concept or important information, and the recommendation for the whole class. With regard to the homework section, I would list what the homework is on the blog and the student could upload an attachment for their homework. Besides, this section could be a form like discussion board that students reply directly to others. In terms of material section, I would have useful websites for my students and also materials they could download.
Standards for the English Language Arts ( by Richardson)
- Students read a wide range of literature from many periods in many genres to build an understanding of the many dimensions.
TSLT Goal 2:Standard 2


Second, individual works for students by using blog. In Taiwan, students have three English classes per week and forty minutes for a class in elementary school. The objective students are sixth grade. I’d use fifteen to twenty minutes to have my students using blog as a learning tool in class. As I mentioned, they would need to write or voice recording two to three diaries every week. During this phase, they could write down or record what they’ve learned for today’s class or what’ve happened in their recent daily life. For more advanced students they will be asked to write or speak at least 150 words but for lower level students they could just write down fifty words. Moreover, students could apply “Voice Thread” to complete this task. They could either give comment or write diaries by typing or recording since each individual has his or her own learning style. In this way, they practice writing, listening, reading, and speaking.
Standards for the English Language Arts ( by Richardson)
-Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes.
TSLT Goal 3 Standard1&2



Third, cooperative works for students to have a chance to observe others. I would also assign them a problem solving or decision making project for group works. People view things in different ways. From a cognitive view, imitation is a prerequisite of internalization. Here, imitation is not mimicking but learners are able to reproduce language by their own. Besides the verbal discussion, students need to write down what they’ve discussed on the blog, as a result, other group members have an access to know how the other group work. In this way, leaning happens.
Standards for the English Language Arts ( by Richardson)
-Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities.
TSLT Goal 4 Standard 1 


To sum up, using blogs for learning a language is a way to motivate students. In order to have a balance for listening, speaking, reading, and writing, I personally think that using Voice Thread on the blog could be a practical tool. However, I’m still a novice for Voice Thread; hopefully, I could become an expert after the class.