Blogs In The Classroom

Identify possible instructional uses for blogs in the classroom and address any related issues regarding the use of blogs in education. Describe how blogs may provide advantages over traditional forms of instruction.

Throughout the course of this semester, we have incorporated the use of blogs into our course work. I have found that there are many possible instructional uses for blogs in the classroom. For example, many teachers require students to hand in hard copies of journal entries. This creates a lot of loose paper a teacher must keep track of. Instead of using this traditional method, blog entries could function the same way without the hassel, plus they would be posted online for future reference. Blogs also show the date and time of which they are posted, therefore the teacher would be able to tell if the assignment was completed on time. Another example would be for students to present certain assignments as a blog. This way students can change the colors, design, and publish their work. Blogs provide many advantages over traditional forms. As stated in the previous examples, students are alotted more options for asthetic presentation and are able to publish their work on the Internet, and teachers are able to effectively grade without the mess of papers and can check the exact time and date to which the assignments are completed. Overall, I think the use of blogs in the classroom has proven to be a key tool in integrating technology and improving aspects for both students and teachers.

Instructional Technology Lesson Plan

Recently in class, we have been working on lesson plans which incorporate useful technology as a reinforcing aid. My partner and I decided to create a lesson plan for a fifth grade Language Arts class. We incorporated the use of Inspiration Software to create a cluster map and an outline as preparation tools for writing an essay. During the presentation we demonstrated the steps to creating these two aids on the projector screen. We also incorporated discussion questions before and after. The actual lesson plan can be found at: http://tiger.towson.edu/~adeang2/portfolio/lessonplan.htm.

Software Tools in Content Areas

What kinds of classroom activities can be enhanced with software (spreadsheet, database, web development, etc.) applications?


There are many different types of classroom activities that can be enhanced with electronic software. With the use of spreadsheets, databases, web development, etc., students and teachers can utilize time and skills to the best of their advantage.

Spreadsheets are simply "a book for keeping records of numerical information…" (Roblyer, 2004). They provide an easy way to organize and arrange data in a creative way. Teachers can use this technology to create attendance charts, homework records, etc. Students can use spreadsheets to synthesize charts and graphs for projects or classroom activities.

Databases are defined as "computer programs that allow users to store, organize, and manipulate information, including both text and numerical data" (Roblyer, 2004). A perfect example of how databases organize and benefit the school is an electronic library book log. Originally made up as a paper card system known ad the Card Catalog, teachers and students had to make sure they put the cards and books back in proper order or else the system was not accurate. Thus, when the system was developed on the computer, the school’s library was able to function much better.

Web development is by far the newest technology teachers and students can use to better the classroom. It uses the World Wide Web to publish information to improve tasks. Today, classrooms can use web development in the areas of electronic encyclopedias, online atlases, online dictionaries, online educational games, etc. For example, if a student was using a computer and needed a map for a school project, instead of searching through books to find it they could use a search page to quickly find it.

As you can see, many different classroom activities can be modernized with the use of electronic software.



Textbook:Roblyer, M.D. & Edwards, J., (2003). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (Third Edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Determining the Relative Advantage

Describe the notion of "relative advantage" with respect to improving technology implementation methods. Identify specific teaching and learning problems that technology can help address and how it can create learning opportunities that did not exist.


It is an undeniable fact that in today’s classrooms, the old way of practice using writing skills and paper is not always as effective without the use of technology. Students sometimes find these methods to be tedious, uninspiring, and tiresome. The Relative Advantage, a term created by Everett Rogers, enables a teacher to integrate technology into the curriculum to enhance learning. The true definition of Relative Advantage states that "they [the teacher] must be persuaded that the new way of doing things has clear benefits over current methods" (Roblyer, 2004). Therefore, the pros must clearly outweigh the cons, if there are any.

A good example of how technology strengthens education is by means of such programs including PowerPoint and Online games. PowerPoint is an exceptional tool that neatly and creatively structures presentations. This is a great program to use for group work because it presents information in a unified and original manner. Online games are another great learning tool teachers are using in the classroom. Most of these games allow the student to work at their own pace and remain interested and engaged throughout the entire lesson. This method works best for individual learning and allows the child to blend both vital information and hands-on experience together to gain the knowledge intended.

As you can see, the Relative Advantage is a wonderful tool teachers can use to enhance the learning of their students and allow them to be more productive. It can be used in any grade for any subject. Therefore, the use of Relative Advantage should be implemented as much as needed.



Textbook:Roblyer, M.D. & Edwards, J., (2003). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (Third Edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

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