BP2_2009111_Educational Uses of Blogs

How can Blogs be used for Educational Purposes?

Although blogs have been described as online journals, they are much more than simply a journal. If used appropriately, blogs can have a significant impact on education.

According to Mullen and Wedwick (2008) blogs can become authentic writing experiences. “In our technological world, blogs can be used to create limitless, unique, and meaningful writing opportunities for students worldwide” (p. 69). How is this possible? Students can blog about book recommendations, discuss current events, or give feedback on lessons. Teachers can use blogs to post homework, provide the classroom calendar, and provide feedback.

Skiba (2005) gives four possible educational uses for blogs. Students can become subject matter experts through blogging. Blogging increases interest in learning and gives students chances to contribute. Blogging also provides opportunities to view and interact with divers perspectives.

Additionally, blogs can be used to allow students use their voice and expand their world. Blogs provide the opportunity to communicate with people from other places (Sqoolmaster, 2007). Students can express opinions on class topics or create an online book club.

Blogging addresses 21st century skills. Writing and reading can be integrated through a response blog (Zawilinski, 2009). Not only are writing and reading integrated, but also new literacy’s of the Internet are tackled by blogging. “As online readers gather information to solve a problem, they frequently analyze information, critically evaluate, synthesize across multiple texts and communicate with others using instant messaging, e-mail, blogs, wikis, or other communication vehicles” (p. 652).

It is obvious that blogs have the potential to create meaningful discussions, which can be used for educational purposes. The possible uses for blogs are endless, and this post just scratches the surface. How exciting that we live in an age where learners can share their thoughts and receive feedback from people all over the world. Why wouldn’t we want to share this experience with our students?



References

Mullen, R., & Wedwick, L. (2008). Avoiding the Digital Abyss: Getting Started in the Classroom with YouTube, Digital Stories, and Blogs. Clearing House, 82(2), 66-69. Retrieved October 29, 2009, from Academic Search Premier.

Skiba, D. (2005). People of the Year: Bloggers. Nursing Education Perspectives, 26(1), 52-53. Retrieved October 28, 2009, from Academic Search Premier.

Sqoolmaster. (2007). Educational Uses of Blogs and Tags. Slideshow posted to slideshare: http://www.slideshare.net/sqoolmaster/educational-uses-of-blogs-and-tags-234136

Zawilinski, L. (2009). HOT Blogging: A Framework for Blogging to Promote Higher Order Thinking. Reading Teacher, 62(8), 650-661. Retrieved October 28, 2009, from Academic Search Premier.