In this article the author discusses the growing trend of blogs in k-12 education and even higher education. They discuss the use blogs vs. other discussion boards (such as BlackBoard...). I found the article to be very interesting and brought up some good points. Blogs have evolved from being personal journals to a type of online community. There are great discussions that can be sparked and students may put forth more effort if they know their work will be on display for the world to see. This opportunity to write for readers outside the classroom is not possible with other discussion tools. I personally think that blogs are a great tool. They can be used individually or collectively as a classroom. There are endless possibilities...
References:
Shiang-Kwei, W., & Hui-Yin, H. (2008). Reflections on Using Blogs to Expand In-class Discussion. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 52(3), 81-85. doi:10.1007/s11528-008-0160-y
References:
Shiang-Kwei, W., & Hui-Yin, H. (2008). Reflections on Using Blogs to Expand In-class Discussion. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 52(3), 81-85. doi:10.1007/s11528-008-0160-y
It is crazy to see how blogs have become such a big hit! I honestly never would have guessed.......some how we were able to turn blogging from a reflective tool into a means of communicated and finding information!
ReplyDeleteSome students aren't as skilled at "thinking on their feet" to answer questions in the classroom, or may lack the confidence to engage in verbal discussions. Blogs can appeal to students that have a lot to say if they can only think about it for awhile. They may not speak well under "pressure," but with the opportunity to take their time to comment or reply will communicate very well and with critical thinking.
ReplyDeleteSabrina, what was the consensus about closed online classroom tools like discussion boards versus blogs? I'm looking at this from the viewpoint of the person who has to keep track of them all. Should I have one blog for each class? That sort of defeats the point of students taking responsibility for their own work, I think. On the other hand, I teach four or five classes a term!
ReplyDeleteFrom all the articles I’ve read I definitely plan on using blogs in the classroom. Blogs can create a community where the teacher and students update and personalize it to meet their needs. It is like taking the classroom with you and always learning.
ReplyDeleteExpectations for a classroom blog need to be set and clear for students to maintain posts and comments relevant to the purpose of the blog or it could get out of hand and the blog won’t be effective.