Let’s get connected (safely!)

In the previous post I shared an inspiring video about what teaching should mean, and how important are human connections. This time is the students turn as bloggers, is time to speak up! Creating and running a blog is not only an activity the teacher can work in and with, but an activity students can play a role in. So, let’s imagine we create a blogging activity with our students. Which steps they need to follow in order to participate in a safe blogging?

Our students were born and grew up using technology; however it doesn’t mean they understand which contents are appropriate to post online. Creating a class blog is a good opportunity to educate them and to share with them and their families some useful information when posting, sharing and in general surfing the Internet.

Let’s think about some characteristics/aspects when blogging with your class:

• Be an example: post several entries before your students start with posting. Show them which format you use, which things you share and the most important aspect: which kind of information you share.

• Set up your class blog: once your students have seen what and how a blog is used for, you need to give them some advice and warn them about footprint.

• Create a guideline: write a list of rules/advices your students need to be aware of when using the blog. Here’s an example: 

• Get parents involved: as our students are minors we need their parent’s approval. Moreover, helping parents getting connected with the blog is an interesting practice too, because they can learn from this experience and share it with their children.