Hi James, I'd not noticed this thread before. I've been making use of classroom blogs this year too. While I'm experimenting with them, I've just been using it with my GCSE classes...

http://gcse2011.blogspot.com/

http://gcsemusic2010.blogspot.com/

My primary goal has been to keep students reminded about what was covered in the lesson. I've found that using keywords in the blog has made a big difference; whenever the kids say 'we haven't done this', a quick search of the blog proves that I wasn't going crazy!

Parents like the blogs too, they can keep track of what's been happening for themselves. I got a bit lazy in the run up to our musical and they slipped a little but will be kept up-to-date every lesson from now on.

For next academic year, I'm thinking of making this something that the department does with every class or something that I do for each year group. Bit concerned about the potential workload impact that would have though.

Hi James

Just returned to your class blogs after a while.

I really like the way you are using http://y11music.tumblr.com/ to support personalised learning. All the students have their own assignments. Great that they can refer to these multimedia integrated assignments sci-fi materials from school or home - you are leading the way!

Hi James

I take it that what you really want us to do is to leave some comments directly on the tumblr pages so that we are providing some feedback for the students? This is a great idea and I am happy to do this - but I am attaching a condition!

I will leave a series of comments, but in exchange I would like you to write a guest editorial for Teaching Music (say 400-600 words) Ideally something that give our readers something to think about.

A deal?

Some excellent definitions.....

Al

Really enjoyed watching this. The video of definitions is something I would really like to use. As something of a 'slow learner' on the technical front i wonder if you could tell me what equipment you used and how you set up the blog.

How do you balance teaching with videoing? I really like the way pupils get to keep a video diary of progress and your website. Very cool :) Impressed at the 3rd week with bands playing without the track and keeping the beat so well. Mine are on numu - kings-fi recordings - although they are not too hot on keeping up with their blogs...