BP2_2010011_Educational Uses for Blogs

Picture retrieved from www.pics4learning.com

I say, “OH MY WORD!!!” My friend responds, “Try Excel.” ☺ It is apparent, that even humor is now evolving from the technological terms present in a technologically advanced world we live in. More specifically, with blogs and wikis, writing has taken on an entirely new avenue. Teachers are consistently changing lesson plans and ideas to fit the various needs and interests of students. Many have used wikis and blogs for instruction in the classroom “to engage students in digital discussions and to create a workplace for collaborative projects” (Flierl and Fowler, 2007).

Blogs and Wikis are great tools to use for educational settings especially since many students are already familiar with how to use them. According to a recent study, approximately 85 percent of youths ages 12-17 use some form of electronic personal communication on a regular basis (Pascopella and Richardson, 2009). Before blogs, publishing any written content was the end of the writing process. With blogs, the process becomes much more than just a one-way communication from teacher to student, but a way to connect and interact with others on a continuous basis.

Adrian Miles, a senior lecturer at RMIT University and consulter on new media and education, suggested using blogs for:
• Encouraging and supporting reflective and process-based learning
• Nurturing peer support and collaboration
• Providing a record of achievement
• Assisting in idea creation
• Developing multiliteracies that allow students to participate in contemporary information ecologies as creators, rather than as passive consumers (Miles, 2006)

In the future, I plan on using blogs as a way of communication and collaboration between students. With limitations on time or students who hesitate to express ideas, blogs are great ways to allow students the opportunity to create, express ideas, and build strong and positive relationships with peers. Whether I have students contribute to a blog on their thoughts of a class book we are currently reading, or a reflection blog for students to write ideas for teacher improvement, I feel creating blogs can be a great tool if used appropriately and purposefully.

References

Flierl, R., & Fowler, H. (2007). Educational uses of blogs and wikis. Phi Delta Kappan, 89(3), C3. 1. Retrieved from Education Research Complete Database.

Miles, A. (2006). Blogs in media education: A beginning. Screen Education, (43). 66.

Pascopella, A., Richardson, W. (2009). The new writing pedagogy. District Administrators 45(10/11). 46.