BP1_2009101_Getting Started with Blogger

Educational Uses for Blogs

I believe that there are many educational uses for blogs in today’s schools. Students today are already using Web 2.0 tools, such as blogs, so why not use them in the classroom. Calvery et al. (2008), states “although there is little research on the effectiveness of blogs with developmental students, it is logical to use a medium that is familiar and comfortable to the millennial generation” (p. 35). Blogs allow students to use their critical thinking skills and writing skills. Having students respond to open ended questions online, which require research and original thoughts can be as beneficial as writing in the classroom. Although blogs are an online, it is important for teachers to emphasize proper writing style and grammar and not using web lingo. Another wonderful aspect of using blogs in the classroom is that students can collaborate with each other and offer constructive feedback to each other.

Not only can blogs help students with their writing skills, but blogs can also help students with reading. According to Hong (2008), “Readers are no longer passive recipients of the information from the web but become creators of the content by either posting entries on the blog or making comments on the entries posted by others ” (p. 37). With blogs, students have more responsibility with their reading. Teachers need to teach their students how to decipher reliable information on the Internet and how to respond in a professional manner.

Blogs are wonderful tools that teachers can implement into the classroom in a variety of ways. Hong (2008) writes, “As a powerful toll that enhances communication, foster critical thinking, and encourages collaborative learning, blogs have great potential in education” (p. 37). For all of these reasons and more, teachers should start investigating using blogs in their teaching practices.

References

Caverly, D., Nicholson, S., Battle, J., & Atkins, C. (2008). Techtalk: web 2.0, blogs, and developmental education. Journal of Developmental Education, 32(1), 34-35. http://search.ebscohost.com

Hong, W. (2008). Exploring educational use of blogs in U.S. education. Online Submission http://search.ebscohost.com