In all classrooms that I have participated in as a teacher, it has never failed to surprise me how talented students can be. Whether it is playing a musical instrument, a gift for drawing/painting, a keen eye for photography or a love of sports, students' interests and talents are a rich source of learning which often goes untapped. Teachers are too often hampered by a handed down curriculum and then there remains little time to explore and even dare I say, exploit, what is most relevant to students.
When I have asked whether students blog to showcase their work, they often sigh and with a shrug, mention Instagram as micro-blogging. It is when I ask whether they would be interested to actually learn how to create their own website and blog that their eyes light up with interest.
Blogging serves many purposes, including being a contribution to a learner's e-Portfolio. This may be shared publicly or privately, only to a small circle of friends/peers (depending on platform).
Telegra.ph is a webpage which can be easily shared. Clean and simple, it's minimalist features include uploading an image, embedding a video and Twitter link.
Then, all it takes is to hit "publish" and it's ready to share.
It's a great tool for teachers to share information, updates and notices with students if a LMS or class blog isn't being used. Although it can be used for sharing (from grocery lists to hobbies), it's a quick and simple way of sharing information - but it may carry a degree of anonymity, which is something that I strongly discourage students to do. If they publish anything online, then they should always include their name/reference, especially in educational contexts. Accountability and responsibility when posting online is definitely part of digital literacies.
Two other similar minimalist blogging platforms are
telescope and
Write.as.
telescope offers both a free and pro version, while
Write.as also offers a free version and a 5$ per month account to create a custom domain site.
Caramella is different - and great fun to play around with ("play" as in learning how to use it); very appealing to those with a drive to learn new digital platforms:
With
Caramella you can create webpages, blogs, PDFs, posters - and more.
When class time is not enough (it never is!), giving students the means to develop these projects in the library and after class is another option. From book reviews and book reports, to so many other blogging assignments, students learn not only how to use a particular communication platform, but also the characteristic of "playing" with a tool, i.e. learning how to use it.
Even if an institution doesn't offer an internet connection to students,
creating posters with pen and paper, then pinning these poster on the classroom walls, is another way to foster a classroom culture while sharing students' personal talents and interests.
Learning can be frustrating - and that includes learning how to publish online too. Yet, it is through the autonomy of learning that students develop an ownership of their learning.
Sharing one's talents, natural gifts and interest, showcasing one's ability - definitely learner centred and a light of motivation towards further learning.
Further Suggestions:
A Wall of Magazines
Blog Bytes
Creating Websites
Blogging Platforms Around the Block
Organising Writing and iPad Publishing
Teaching to the blog – How assessed blogging can enhance engaged learning
Blogging for English-Language Learners
Blogging as Pedagogy: Facilitate Learning
How to Flatten Your Classroom and Encourage Authentic Writing Through Blogging
