Widgets and Plugins

What Widgets and Plugins did you choose?

I chose 4 plugins and widgets including, a Blog Search Bar, a Calendar that shows when I posted, a Recent Posts widget, and also a subscribe by email option.

What are there strengths?

I think that with all of these new widgets and plugins on my blog that it will make access to my blog and different posts easier and smoother. A huge strength of these plugins and widgets is the search bar since it will make finding posts easier for students and for teachers. As well as the recent posts, since teachers can just look right in there. Also, having the subscribe by email, because it is totally optional for people, teachers, and students to receive email updates for when I post something, which I believe is so cool and useful.

What are there weaknesses?

I believe that a few weaknesses include the search bar because it requires the specific and exact wording and spelling to actually work. Also, another weakness could be how the calendar is only for viewing the days I have posted on the blog. But, all in all I believe that the strengths outshine these very minor weaknesses.

Can these programs be used in a classroom setting to enhance student learning? Would you use it and/or recommend it?

I really recommend to other students to use these widgets and plugins since they advertise that you use your blog effectively and that you put time and effort into it.  Also, the search bar can assist in finding certain posts that students will read and learn from, enhancing student learning.  Plus, with the subscription option, teachers can subscribe to a students blog and receive email notifications. I recommend using widgets and plugins because they make exploring and looking at a students blog more appealing, easier, and because they are very useful and cool.