Using Blogs in My Classroom

I have been brainstorming ideas on how blogs could be utilized in my classroom. There are a couple of ideas that are very intriguing to me. One area where a blog could be used successfully would be in my Horticulture class. This class is composed primarily of sophomore through senior students. The course is heavy in lab work focusing on topics such as parts of plants and their functions, photosynthesis, propagation, and various greenhouse applications. Students utilize the scientific method to work through experiments related to the various topics. Each student develops a lab summary upon completion.

The lab summary has been submitted to me in the form of a report in the past. I would like to see this submitted in the form of a blog. The criteria for the lab summary would remain virtually the same. Students would be required to share the hypothesis they developed, materials utilized, lab procedure, and results. They would also be required to include a chart or graph that summarizes the results, an explanation of why they felt the hypothesis was proved or disproved, and any further questions or ideas that resulted from the lab. As a new step, I would have the students include digital pictures of their lab process. I would also require the students to read the lab summaries of their classmates and thoughtfully contribute comments to two other students.

Utilizing a blog in this way would have multiple purposes. First, it would serve as a place for the students to display their work. Knowing that others will have access to their blogs may motivate them to do their very best they can. The blog will become a kind of digital portfolio as all of their lab summaries would be accessible. Second, the blog would serve as place for the students to interact about the content. Student comprehension of the material would be increased by answering questions others may have and receiving explanations for questions they may have. The lessons would definitely be enhanced by the motivation the students would have to display their best work and carrying out discussions related to the lab. The rigor and relevance of the content would be increased by utilizing a blog in this way.

I have never had students use blogs in my classes before so I am certain there are some components of my idea that may need further consideration. I would appreciate any feedback you may have that would help me be more successful with this idea.