Kidblog

Tool #6:  Kidblog

Features:  Kidblog is a communication tool that allows students to publish writing safely.  Students write with a purpose for a real audience.  This tool enables students to connect with other classes or even around the world.  This tool allows teachers and students to document growth over time.  The teacher monitors all activity.

Use:  Students could use this tool to work on their writing strategies.  Writing for a real audience encourages students to  be more precise in their writing.  Students can share with a number of audience members and receive quick feedback.

Evaluation Rubric for Communication Tools

	3	2	1
Curriculum Connection	Communication tool allows students to demonstrate their understanding of curriculum goals i.e. writing for an audience.	Communication tool allows students to demonstrate partial understanding of curriculum goals.	Communication tool does not allow students to demonstrate their understanding of curriculum goals.
User Friendly	Communication tool is easy to navigate and efficient.	Communication tool is somewhat easy to navigate and somewhat efficient.	Communication tool is difficult to navigate and is inefficient.
Feedback	Communication tool provides, immediate, constant, and reliable feedback.	Communication tool provides limited feedback.	Communication tool does not provide feedback.
Differentiation	Communication tool provides differentiation for students of all abilities.	Communication tool provides limited differentiation.	Communication tool does not provide differentiation.
Visual appearance	Communication tool is visually appealing.	Communication tool is somewhat visually appealing.	Communication tool is not visually appealing.
Format (i.e. character count, images, video)	Communication tool provides a format that allows for student engagement and appropriate communication specific to the task or goal.	Communication tool provides limited student engagement and limited communication specific to task or goal.	Communication tool does not provide a format that allows for student engagement or appropriate communication specific to the task or goal.

Score 16/18