Benefits of Blogging

We've embarked on an exhilarating journey of international blogging with three other schools from around the globe, igniting a spark of excitement among our students. Our school in Alberta has forged connections with students in Tasmania, Australia; Kansas City, Missouri; and Waterloo, Ontario.

                                                   Tasmania, Australia
                                                     Kansas City, Missouri
                                                     Waterloo, Ontario

The concept of quad blogging has infused our virtual exchanges with energy and purpose. Each week, one school takes center stage, expanding the audience for our blogs and providing students with a meaningful platform to share their thoughts and ideas. In just one week of collaborative blogging, remarkable connections have begun to blossom.

One such connection stemmed from our exploration of the novel "Where the Red Fern Grows," which is set in the Ozarks. Our students discovered that our peers in Kansas City reside in this very region, offering a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about life in the Ozarks.

Another intriguing connection emerged during a discussion about various landforms. One of our students delved into research about hoodoos, a geological wonder found in Alberta, sparking curiosity among her peers. In response, students from Australia shared their knowledge of similar landforms in their own country, fostering a rich exchange of information and ideas.

As we eagerly prepare to take the blogging spotlight once more, we anticipate sharing snapshots of our Alberta learning journey with our global peers and eagerly await their feedback and insights. Together, we continue to weave a tapestry of global understanding and collaboration through the power of blogging.

What would you like to learn about?

In Science, our second graders are diving into the fascinating world of "small crawling and flying creatures." Today, they embarked on a research adventure using Instagrok to explore various insects and bugs.

Instagrok is more than just a search engine—it's an interactive learning tool designed to empower students in their quest for knowledge. When students search for a topic like "ants," for instance, Instagrok doesn't just provide information; it curates a comprehensive array of resources including key facts, websites, videos, and images, along with quizzes and concepts to deepen understanding.

What sets Instagrok apart is its built-in content filter, ensuring a safe and secure browsing experience for students. Prior to introducing it to the class, I conducted several searches myself and found the site to be consistently reliable and free from offensive content.

One standout feature of this site is its ability to tailor content based on grade level. When exploring a topic like ants, students can utilize the "little Einstein" feature to access material that aligns with their learning level. For our Grade 2 students, we simply adjusted the scroll bar to the far left, ensuring that the information, videos, and websites presented were appropriate for their comprehension.

In addition to its grade-level filtering, Instagrok offers a host of other useful features. The "journal" function, for instance, allows students to jot down notes and pin items for future reference. While we only scratched the surface of its capabilities today, I'm excited about the potential for further research using this search engine.

The enthusiasm among my Grade 2 students was palpable as they delved into the world of bug research. They were thrilled to discover a plethora of bug pictures, videos, and websites, sparking curiosity and engagement. Without a doubt, I'll be incorporating Instagrok into our future lessons to continue nurturing their love for learning and exploration.

Social Bookmarks: A Pinteresting Conversation!

A few months back, a friend mentioned Pinterest to me, and though I nodded in acknowledgment, I didn't fully grasp its appeal at the time. She shared how she lost herself for over an hour browsing the site, and I couldn't help but wonder what could be so captivating. That night, out of curiosity, I revisited Pinterest and found myself not just spending an hour, but my entire evening immersed in a treasure trove of teaching ideas. It was hard to tear myself away, and since then, I've become a member, exploring how I can use Pinterest to collect and share those invaluable resources I stumble upon online. It's quickly climbing the ranks to become one of my favorite social bookmarking sites.

Just a quick refresher: a social bookmark is a tool for organizing and sharing website links. Users can access these bookmarks from any computer by logging into their account, and by adding tags, they can easily categorize the information.

There are various social bookmarking platforms out there, and while Diigo has been my go-to for years, Pinterest is proving to be another standout. Diigo streamlines research by allowing users to tag selected sites, reducing search time and ensuring accuracy. Plus, users can annotate and add notes, providing insight into their learning process.

Now, let's talk Pinterest. This visually captivating platform bills itself as a "virtual pinboard" where users can organize and share inspiring web finds. And what sets it apart? The power of the image! As you scroll through Pinterest, it's the visuals that draw you in, making it a feast for the eyes.

So, the big question: Diigo or Pinterest?

For me, Diigo remains my top choice for bookmarking academic resources and connecting with educators. Meanwhile, Pinterest is my go-to for discovering innovative classroom ideas.

Here are some handy resources for both platforms:

Diigo Schools and Education Category

Diigo Educators Group (over 2000 members)

Diigo Literacy with ICT Group (over 18,000 member)

Diigo Administrators Group (350 members)

30 Inspiring Pinterest Pins for Teachers

Pinterest Education Category

Pinterest Teaching Category

Pinterest Classroom Ideas Category

I'm grateful my friend introduced me to Pinterest that day, as it's expanded my learning network and given me even more effective ways to organize and bookmark resources. Thanks, friend!