A blog is a web page that contains information arranged in chronological order. Blogs can be in the form of journals, diaries, or links to other web sites (Scott, 2001). Entries are dated, with the most recent displayed in chronological order at the top. The oldest entry appears at the bottom. In education, blogs have 4 main uses: (1) classroom management; (2) collaboration; (3) discussion; and (4) student portfolios (Nguyen, 2006).
Blogs in the classroom can serve as a portal for communication between the educator and student. Educators post classroom information like class requirements, homework assignments and deadlines, reading lists, handouts and notices. Blogs can also be used as a platform for questioning and answering questions.
Collaboration is one of the main uses in blogging. They provide a platform for teacher-student interaction. Both work together as they develop writing or other skills that need instant audience. Teachers provide instructional tips, while students develop skills and benefit from their peers through reviews. Collaboration enhances cooperative learning through relay of research findings and ideas.
Classroom blogs provides channels for student’s discussions. These can either be class or non-class related. Blogs also allows for equal opportunities to share new and old information. Students freely present their opinions, and receive feedback from other students as well as teachers. Teachers and students network on discussions or classroom topics. Students mentor themselves through project developments. Blogs in the classroom can be used to present and organize information or ideas in the form of digital portfolios. Publication of student ideas acts as extrinsic motivation to
References
Nguyen. T. (2006). Blogs in Education: Retrieved June 4, 2010 from
http://thanhnguyen75.blogspot.com/2006/11/use-of-blogs-in-education_14.html
Scott. P. ( 2001). Blogs in Education. Retrieved June 4, 2010 from:
http://www.det.wa.edu.au/education/cmis/eval/curriculum/ict/weblogs/
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