Following Blogs for Reading Development

In my Reading Fundamentals class, low adult readers identified and followed blogs while practicing reading strategies taught in the classroom. This was a popular activity especially among the young students who tend to enjoy digital dialogue. Students completed a blog template each class for 2-3 blogs they followed including: summary, evaluation, and how the student would comment. Some students subscribed to blogs and posted their comments. This lesson weaves together Oregon Standards for Adult Learner and new GED requirements. The lesson is as follows.

Digital Tuesdays in Reading

What is a "blog"?

"Blog" is an abbreviated version of "weblog," which is a term used to describe web sites that maintain an ongoing chronicle of information. A blog features diary-type commentary and links to articles on other Web sites, usually presented as a list of entries in reverse chronological order. Blogs range from the personal to the political, and can focus on one narrow subject or a whole range of subjects.

Many blogs focus on a particular topic, such as web design, home staging, sports, or mobile technology. Some are more eclectic, presenting links to all types of other sites. And others are more like personal journals, presenting the author's daily life and thoughts.

Objectives: Digital Tuesdays will be a time for our class to explore digital literacy through blogs. Readers can improve their skills by following frequently following blogs they find interesting by learning about reading components including the main idea, supporting details, using strategies and building vocabulary.  In addition, In addition, digital literacy skills are particularly important in preparing students for the 2014 GED, college readiness and the 21^st century marketplace.  

Activities will vary throughout the term but the primary purpose is to select at least two blogs to follow and evaluate.

To get started: http://www.findingdulcinea.com/guides/Technology/Internet/Blogs.pg_01.html#01

Tips: Look for a topic of interest, something you would like to learn more about or something that you already have some familiarity with. Read on a variety of topics.