Many people say that we are in the "information age" and things like facebook, twitter, wikipedia, and blogging are all helping to spread information. Whether some of the "facts" are true are not are up for debate, but there seems to be a constant flow of information finding it's way onto the web. The internet has become a huge resource for both students and teachers.We use it to create lesson plans, and they use it to complete assignments. But what happens to that paper once it has been graded? It's given back to the student, tossed in a back pack, folder, or locker to be found crumpled when preparing for the next semester. The student- and the teacher- forget about the assignment that is no longer relevant. But with a blog, an assignment can be posted, where peers and teachers alike can comment on it, draw from the information, improve writing skills, use it as an example, and so much more.
My main focus is music, and a blog is a wonderful tool to have. If I were to create a blog or facebook page for my ensemble, I can post recordings of concerts, give public mention to soloists and section leaders, advertise upcoming concerts and events, recruit, fund-raise, and the students can read performance feedback from the community. An ensemble blog would be reinforcement for what I am doing in the classroom. If I tell the ensemble they had a great concert, they may just think I'm saying it because I'm their teacher. But if peers, parents, and community members post on the blog about the performance, the success becomes more real.
Wonderful music tools could also be made handy- a link to IMSLP where you can download and print public domain music for free. Or a chart of the circle of fifths, instrument fingering charts, transposition charts, etc. Students could even post some of their own compositions using a "yodio" account, or post the score using "Sibelius". They could post music history reports, reviews of music they've heard or want to play. But most importantly, this information is available to the public and school board. Music is fading fast from our public schools, and as soon as people see how much kids need and love their music classes, the farther we are from losing the program completely.
I especially appreciated your taking the concept of blogging and applying to your area of passion --- music. It will be fun to see how you apply some of these tools in your Practicum and Student Teaching.
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