Why Use Blog ?

Right Tool for the Right Reasons

The first critical consideration for teachers is whether or not the tool being used is necessary to the learning process. In this regard teachers must be unequivocally clear; if teachers do not effectively contextualize the use of any web 2.0 tool, then students are not likely to see the tool as being of benefit to the learning process.

Because blogging can enhance the ability of students to self-reflect and process concepts, the use of a blog in the classroom can only be implemented when there are “concepts for students to think through, various resources and content segments to process, or ideas to construct.” Reynard notes “there must be a certain amount of content preparation” prior to implementing any blogging practices within the classroom.

Also, teachers need to be clear that a blog is an individualized tool for one learner. Yes, students can leave comments on a colleague’s blog that represent a reflection of the material presented. But if a teacher is seeking reactions from a collective group the tool to use would be a wiki or a discussion forum. In essence, teachers must select the proper tool for the task.

The second step is to be absolutely clear about the desired learning outcomes for the course. By the term outcomes, Reynard correctly notes that teachers must go beyond the fundamentals of course objectives.

Learning outcomes do begin with course objectives but they also “include student learning needs and objectives” as well as opportunities for “future application of the learning.” As but one example, learning outcomes could include the use of a blog as the tool for implementing various levels of bloom taxonomy  with students.

Blogs can be the catalyst that has students analyzing and synthesizing course materials. With proper planning and appropriate curriculum, individual students may also use a blog to find ways to apply new ideas.

But in order for a blog to work in such a manner, teachers must provide relevant feedback at the proper times. In addition, teachers should be evaluating the blog not for a final product but as to how the entire learning process shakes out, evaluating blog entries over a period of time.

In summary, blogs can be used to encourage students to summarize what they have learned as well as for comparing and contrasting various aspects of what they have internalized. As students begin to articulate their thoughts blogs can help them feel a sense of empowerment as they develop their own voice.

Throughout the process, blogs can therefore lay out the entire “learning journey” students have been on, helping them become more reflective about the learning process.