Blogs in the Classroom

     After reading Dr. Tryon's article, "Writing and Citizenship", I felt silly that I have been previously enthusiastic over character analysis papers and argumentative essays in which only the teacher or perhaps a peer will read. Currently, my students are writing argumentatively over the issue of capital punishment. This topic is a prevalent theme in a novel we recently read in class. It occurred to me how much greater the ownership may have been if I had prompted students to blog about these issues, under a pseudonym, or not, giving them the freedom to share their argument beyond the teacher's red pen and perhaps in a place where there is great concern and interest over this topic. As the article suggests, students may become more interested in current events, political concerns and matters of the citizen, if their voices were shared publicly. The ability to have others, maybe even the public, critique your argument would prompt students to strengthen their positions, further their research and to go beyond the requirements of the classroom and traditional expectations. This is writing that matters and causes students to become a part of their world, rather than watching from the outside. I cannot clear my mind of my own students who know little of politics besides what they hear their parents say. Many of them have not traveled beyond the borders of their rural county or region. What a great way to introduce them to a new world of thought!! This is certainly going to impact my classroom and the binder full of plans I have for this year.  I have always thought that students should help design their course, as we get new students, new learners each semester. This article supports what I already knew but wasn't sure where to start or who may look at me critically from the powers that be. We will see.