Technology Tool 1: Blogger (SWOT)

About

This website allows for students to create their own blogs to show what they have learned.  It is free to use and the students can choose to use one of the preloaded templates available on the website or customize their blog to their liking.  I chose to create this blog as I have never created one before and was interested in learning more about this tool.  I chose to use one of the preloaded templates that I liked the look of.

This tool allows for student choice on how they portray what they have learned through the use of multimedia uploads.  They are able to write out a blog post or upload a drawing, video, or audio file.  The students are given the freedom to choose their own pathway of learning. It allows for collaboration among learners by allowing students to comment on each other's posts, asking questions and furthering conversation on the topic.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths:

• It is customizable and students can make it their own
• It is easy to use and suitable for beginners
• It allows for others to comment and collaborate on ideas
• Multiple forms of media can be added to posts
• It is free to use

Weaknesses:

• It requires extra time to create the blog and get it started up before the students can make their initial post
• The instructor is not able to observe the process of learning, only the end result of the process

Opportunities:

• Students can showcase what they have learned through blog posts and receive feedback though comments
• Students can cater to their own learning processes by creating a video, an audio file, writing a post, or uploading a drawing showing what they learned

Threats:

• May not be secure
• Anyone can view the students' blogs online unless made to be private
• Students' comments must be monitored in order to reduce the possibility of cyberbullying

How This Tool Aligns With UDL Principles:

• It provides multiple means of engagement by giving options for self-regulation and recruiting interest as they see how their blog develops over time
• It provides multiple means of engagement in that students are able to provide options for comprehension and perception through their ability to post various multimedia
• It allows for multiple means of action and expression by providing options for executive functions as they are required to think about the best way to portray information, and expression and communication through the many communicative mediums available on the computer

Implementation:

I found this PDF from Google, who is the creator of Blogger, on ways that it can be used in the classroom.  It lists excellent ideas for its use in elementary, middle, and high school settings, as well as for its use as a means for teachers to connect with parents.  You can access the full document here.