brightspace ignite tennessee - blogging to enhance student internship
TRANSCRIPT
Blogging: Enhancing Student Internship and Field-work Experiences
Janice M. Williams, BSDH, MS Presented at: Brightspace Ignite Regional User Forums
Murfreesboro, Tennessee February 13, 2015
Objectives
• By the end of this session, the participants will be able to:
1. Explain the benefits of blogging.
2. Discuss effective ways to encourage student blogging.
3. Explain the significance of staying connected with students in completing internships and field-work.
Blogging Benefits
• Web log or blog- a website on which someone writes about personal opinions, activities, and experiences.
• Gives the writer (blogger) a platform to freely express themselves.
• Usually, readers can comment and share their opinion as well.
Effective Ways to Blog
• Designate a site: Brightspace – WordPress, Blogger, CampusPress by Edublogs
– Admin can make it private
• Establish a criteria: Rubric – Vary according to instructor preference
– Encourages creativity
• Make it a requirement and attach it to student course grade. – Encourages participation and collaboration
Why Stay Connected with Students Through Blogging?
• Fosters a sense of social connectedness with student, classmates, and the instructor.
• Promotes student-peer support and collaborative dialogue.
• Encourages reflection and engagement.
• Extends the online classroom by providing a safe environment to publish student work.
• Easier to grade compared to traditional journaling.
Internship & Field-work Sites
• Private Dental Offices
– Nashville, Clarksville, and Murfreesboro
• Public Dental Clinics
– Interfaith Dental Clinic: Nashville & Murfreesboro
• Mobile Dental Clinic
– Hope Smiles Mobile Clinic
• TSU Dental Hygiene Clinic and Various Classes
Challenges
• Blog customization
• Attaching rubrics to the blog rather than gradebook – instructor use fluidity
• Privacy function within the course