As a whole, blogs and wikis are a new way of journaling, and they can be a fun and rewarding activity for students. They provide ELLs with the opportunity for their language to be read or listened to by a broad audience beyond their teacher and classmates. In using blogs, ELLs are able to make comments on other blogs while receiving comments about their own writing. Wikis, in tern, give ELL students the ability to collaborate with others to create an end result. This communication helps the student feel connected without forcing him or her to speak in class. As a result, students can try out their language skills in a less intimidating setting. In addition, there is a strong sense of autonomy in blogging and wiki writing as students are able to work on their own time and in their own setting as they create something that is personal yet connected to a school-initiated task. The student's ability to write and self-correct is a huge asset to all students, especially ELL's as they develop and practice a new lanaguge. According to Lori Langer de Ramirez (2010), "this writing with a purpose & for a real audience - and the motivational factor makes all the difference in getting ELLs to write... and write some more" (p.17).
What exactly is a Blog?
A blog web page that is created by an individual or group where they post their opinions, ideas, or information on a topic. The types of blogs are endless, they can range from cooking tips to time travel.
Examples of how to use blogs in the classroom:
- Writing journals/diaries
- Creative Writing
- Class Debates
- Poetry Collections
- Novel or Story Reviews
What is a Wiki?
A wiki is an online tool in which many people can add, delete, and edit information. It is created for a purpose for a specific group of people to collaborate. The work is instantly published and sent out into the world wide web for all to see.
Examples of how to use wikis in the classroom:
- Collaborative projects
- Planning a class or school event
- Online study communities
- A place to post and share student Art, Music, Writing
** Note to Teachers: When using these types of resources it is important for the teacher to set clear goals and expectations with the students. If everyone is on the same page from the beginning it will make the project go much smoother and you are more likely to have successful outcomes.
Resources:
Langer de Ramirez, Lori. (2010). Empower English Language Learners with Tools from the Web. Corwin: Thousand Oaks, CA.
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