Several months ago I signed up my class of ten year old students to participate in Quadblogging. For my class and I, it is something new and exciting; our first chance of the year to ‘connect’ with other schools, teachers and students from around the world.
Photo credit : Nightingale First School
Essentially, Quadblogging involves students having a more authentic and real audience for their work, whether it be written, audio, video or using various other cool web 2.0 tools. Each week one school’s students are the bloggers and the other three comment, then each week the focus turns on a different school in the quad.
What I really like about the project is;
1. It encourages students to really produce their best, knowing other people from around the world will look and comment on their efforts.
2. It allows them to learn about what different students are doing in school and how they present their work.
3. Taking part in the process will allow all involved to be respectful, thoughtful and kind with their comments
4. My students also liked Tweeting @SFBS5C (Please ‘tweet us’) the teachers involved and producing Google Maps of where the schools are located, in comparison to where they were born – a real reason to do some map work
Screenshot taken from Isabel’s blog
So, onto my chosen image. I just love the way it is so clear and easy to see what the project is about – four schools working individually, but connecting together for common educational goals. I plan to use it in my classroom when we actually embark on the project, at the time when we discuss, “What is Quadblogging?” “Why are we involved in this?” “How does it work?” “Why does the image below and the title one, help us to visually understand the project?”
Photo credit : Nightingale First School
I have been teaching Grade 4/Year 5 at my school for the last ten consecutive years. Sometimes, parents ask, “Don’t you get bored teaching the same material?” The material hasn’t changed a significant amount in that time, BUT the WAY students learn and teachers deliver lessons has changed immensely. My favorites include the use of YouTube videos, made by others and ourselves is awesome, interactive games and fun, educational websites bring so much to the table, making lessons enjoyable and memorable.
If you enjoyed this post and are thinking of Quadblogging for yourself – join the revolution!
Watch this video and check out the website to sign up at www.quadblogging.net
Here’s a word from the creator….
