Blogging is a method of teaching that keeps students interacting and interested in the lesson. Sacred Hearts Academy theology teacher, Cristina Smith, participates with her active student blog through her own domain, senorasmith.com.
Smith said, “I started my blog in 2011 because I realized more and more students were more comfortable using web sites to express themselves and I was looking for a way for my Theology classes to be more interactive. I want students not to just know content but to find connections to their lives, to have a voice, to build a community of learning, my learning about where they’re at, what troubles them, what were the issues on their minds. I found Tumblr and realized there were amazing stories, inspiration and ways to connect to the world.”
As a theology teacher, Smith incorporates quotes, videos and creative photos into her curriculum. Each division that Smith teaches has its own page which relates to the curriculum of morality and social justice.
Smith said, “ I try to give my students and readers a boost in their outlook so I put inspiring videos, news stories and thought-provoking items that I find on my own. I try to link all parts to the content we’re working on in class so it’s meaningful. I love to put items that students send me because the blog was designed for them. I’m always trying to improve it so I try to update the home page and I’ve added a survey now. I give the students writing prompts that they can choose from to help them articulate their beliefs, priorities and even weaknesses. I get the writing prompts from Tumblr and I make up my own as well with my photos.”
Junior Lydia McShane said, “ I love the blogs because it is an interactive way to keep my mind thinking of ways that relate to the course. It also allows me to express myself because there is no wrong answer.”
Blogging is an up-and-coming method of learning that keeps students involved.
“I would definitely recommend other teachers use a classroom blog to highlight student work, to keep parents informed, to build a community and to get to know their students better. It’s definitely time-consuming but it is so worth it,” said Smith.
Breanne • Mar 22, 2013 at 1:54 pm
I agree that blogging is a useful and fun way of learning. I think this article was well written and positive about the use of blogging in class.
Ashley • Mar 22, 2013 at 10:45 am
As a student of Mrs. Smith, I really like the blogs that she gives us because it’s a way to express our feelings on different topics. It’s definitely something different and something that we never really got to do in any other religion class, so it’s a nice change. Its a fun way to speak my mind about certain things, and to also see what other people’s ideas and thoughts are as well. The videos that she posts are also inspiring and touching.
Courtney Malina • Mar 22, 2013 at 9:25 am
I am in Mrs. Smith’s period 6 Call to Justice class and I’m an active participator in her blog that she has us do. There are some really interesting topics that she puts onto the blog and makes us connect to our own lives. There are also some scenarios that I never would have thought of before she posted it on the blog. It made me think about the “what ifs” and that kind of stuff. I also like Keala, enjoy the videos that Mrs. Smith shares with us. This blog is keeping up with technology and also keeping students interested instead of doing something else that’s boring.
Kaela • Mar 21, 2013 at 10:46 am
As a student in Mrs. Smith’s class, I enjoy going on the blog and responding to the prompts. The prompts she gives us are really interesting & creative and it’s a great way to express what we believe in. The videos that she also posts are fun to watch.