Thing #4

In reading these blogs, I noticed that opinions and ideas can be expressed openly and freely.  Rather than expressing a one sided opinion (as in other types of reading and writing), blogs allow for instant discussion and an open dialogue with the author/readers.  Discussion allows for other view points and ideas to also be expressed or to be thought of in a new way.  Blogging can facilitate learning by promoting discussion & interaction between teachers, students and parents.  Students can share ideas with one another and get feedback or prompts from their teachers.  In the case of Patrick's Update: 5th Grade, blogging can provide encouragement of reluctant or struggling learners.  As a teacher, blogging can also be added to my toolbox by exposing me to new ideas and strategies, such as in 14 Steps to Meaningful Student Blogging.