Teacher's blog would be very useful for the classroom. Teachers would use a blog to for a number of reasons. First, students and their parents would visit the blog to read of weekly assignments and homework that are required by the teacher. Students would get this information in class, but it would be very convenient should they forget. Resources, such as article and websites, would provide students additional assistance in completing assignments.
Next, school and class events could be posted so that the community would be aware of these events. Outstanding students and accomplishments would be posted so that people could read about these achievements. Most students, especially the 8th graders that I teach, would feel fantastic and on top of the world. Their parents, family, and friends would recognize these special students. Pictures and film clips could be placed on the blog so that the whole community could see the contributions and hard work of the school.
The most important reason to post a blog is to open lines of communication between the school, teacher, and the community. People could respond or ask questions to the information presented on the blog. The blogs provides another source of information and communication between the teacher and the students. Parents could verify and ask questions of the teacher and school about school information they are unsure of or to verify information, such as grades, homework, or assignments.
Using your blog for two-way communication between teachers, students, parents, administrators, and community is a good use of time and resources. Announcing school events, accomplishments, and student accolades on your blog is a creative way to keep the entire community informed and participating in the promotion of your school.
ReplyDeleteI have come to realize over the years that school marketing is essential in maintaining positive attitudes about your school and its accomplishments (Pawlas, 2005). I work at an Optional School in Memphis, TN and we are required to market our school and the Optional program throughout the year. In the past we did a lot of direct mailers, magazine ads, and notices. However, all of these were primarily one-way communication and not very “green”. Today, we offer many types of communications through utilization of our school’s website. This too however, has its limitations. We now have two-way communication but on a one to one basis. And we end up with a lot of emails from many different people. It becomes a burden to keep up with.
By using a blog, you are able to get the open communication, feedback, and participation without all the work.
Good post,
Robert Packwood
Reference
Pawlas, George. (2005) Administrator's Guide to School-Community Relations, 2nd Edition. Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education, Inc.