CCSS & RSS

The Common Core State Standards were created to provide a guide for designing curriculums in order to effectively supply students with the tools they need for choices they will be presented  with in the future.  In today's society blogging and RSS are essential tools needed for gathering data and collecting information in order to make informed choices.    Whether making a new purchase or researching information for new development in their chosen field, they will need to know how to navigate and extract information as well as collaborate and organize their ideas. 

It is imperative that teachers are life long students who can adapt to change and new ideas.  Teachers need to be constantly trained and on the ready to adapt to new technologies in order to effectively teach it.  I would look to ongoing education for teachers.  Keep them informed of new emerging technologies and have them attend training on how to use these technologies. Blogging can be innovative inspiration for teachers and allow them to discover new ideas.  They can focus on projects that can efficiently reach CCSS goals and help develop strategies building on other teacher successes.  RSS feeds keep them informed and allow them to share information between other teachers/students/parents. 

Blogging in Education

Blogging changes the traditional classroom by allowing students a positive outlet for self expression as well as encouraging exploration and meaningful discussion.  Teachers historically have been appointed the task of being great and mighty oracles to students; all-knowing, wise sages of information.  While a flattering position to be in, it's nearly impossible to reach every student and open possibilities for them.   Hard working educators are constantly looking towards new technologies to help them engage their classrooms so that every child has a chance to succeed.  Blogging and other forms of online communities can help. 

Let's first consider how we can use this technology in the classroom.  Blogging creates an open forum where students can not only share their ideas, but connect to others all over the world.  Student blogs can be an open forum for feedback as well as being used a digital portfolio to showcase progression.  Being able to connect with peers and professionals in a field can make the classwork more relevant; sparking interest and creating a sense of community.  Students can experience new cultures and begin to really see how interconnected the world really is.  With photo, video, and audio capabilities it's possible to experience life in another country as it happens.   I envision a modern day global pen pal system where students can connect to several contacts and fully explore their passion. 

Class blogs could concentrate on enhancing and enriching classroom experiences.  Teacher can continue lessons outside the classroom by giving students direct access to valuable information encouraging them to explore on their own time.  Assignments can be updated, revised, and even submitted in comment form.  Teachers can receive valuable feedback about what worked and what didn't work in their lesson plans.  Parents can keep up to date tabs on how classrooms are functioning and the development of their child's progress.  Teacher can also collaborate on their own successes and share them with teachers around the globe to improve teaching methods. 

These kinds of creative outlets can improve the chances for student success.  Creating connections with what they learn in the classroom, they can develop the skill they will need when they enter the real world.  They can find the voice within them and learn to listen to others as well.