For as long as the internet has existed, one of its primary functions has been to help people share their thoughts and experience the perspective of others around them. One of the earliest methods in which this has been accomplished is through blog posts, and they continue to be used today. One reason why blogs remain just as popular today as they were two decades ago is because they are typically written in natural language, which makes them easier to read and feels more like how people communicate in person. Another significant reason for their continued popularity is because while blogs are ubiquitous, they are also largely customizable and allow the author to put their own flair into the writing (Worthington et al., 2018, p. 2)
Blogs can be very beneficial to use in the classroom because they give each student a voice and help to promote community. Worthington et al. (2018) further listed that blog use in the classroom "demonstrated increased reflection, heightened feelings of connection, and increased course-related knowledge" (p. 1). Another benefit is that it allows students to hear other voices other than their own, even ones outside of their immediate environment. In large schools, blogs can also be used as a way for students to engage within the student body, but with someone whom they might not normally interact. Teachers also benefit by being able to read each student's perspective on an even playing field, and possibly even hearing from students who might not otherwise have opened up in a whole class setting.
One potential risk associated with blog use in the classroom is that it could be viewed as another burden to some students. In a study produced a few years ago, some researchers determined that the amount of blog use and degree to which students took it seriously was based on the guidelines that were established and, more importantly, whether or not their posts were being graded. In other words, students were not motivated to write entries unless their grade depended on it. Students cited their heavy workload and a perceived lack of usefulness as barriers to using the blog regularly. (Worthington et al., 2018, p. 3)
This should not come as a surprise, but it should certainly be kept in consideration by any teachers who seek to incorporate blog use into their classroom. In order to combat this issue of motivation, teachers need to work hard to ensure that the blogs are meaningful and relevant to the education of their students. The work load is also important, and teachers should be mindful to ensure that they are not just assigning busywork. Regardless, blog entries can have some very beneficial uses in the classroom for those teachers who wish to further the opportunities their students have for collaboration and communication.
References
Worthington, P., Reniers, J., Lackeyram, D., Dawson, J. (2018). Using a Project
Blog to Promote Student Learning and Reflection. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. EJ1201507).
Excellent analysis, Josh. You make a great point, backed by research, on the importance of using blogs not just as busy work but something meaningful in the class.
ReplyDeleteAlso, your layout and theme is very nice!
I like your post. Great job pointing out some benefits to using a blog in the classroom. I agree that blogs can be used to communicate within a school. Do you think blogging enhances communication, or is it an unnecessary tool given the endless other communication outlets, (i.e., Google Classroom, Forms)? I can attest to the concern you provided. My students lack the motivation to complete many tasks, unless there is a grade attached. This is difficult to process, but is something all teachers must consider when assigning things. Great job!
ReplyDeleteJosh,
ReplyDeleteI loved your point about thinking about how often and how we use blogs. The brain craves novelty is a statement that applies so well to the work we assign students. For this reason, it is important to think about how often we assign different activities and what the purpose of assigning it is. That being said, they can promote community in the classroom. Like much of teaching, blogs can be really helpful when the teacher uses the resource well. Thanks for sharing!
Deborah