Our 0709ITS blog adventure is well underway! I'm pleased to announce that everyone has initiated a blog and most are actively posting and commenting. One sentiment that has been shared among many when describing past blog reading experiences is that blogs can be very boring to read. Others have commented on the use of blogs as boring online journals. What is missing from these blogs? To me it is clear that a major consideration for blog writing is The Audience.
So one instructional benefit for using blogs is that blogs promote skills associated with writing for an audience. Be sure to check out all the pedagogical implications in Richardson's blog chapters. There are plenty more.
As you write your own blogs, be conscious of those techniques you've learned and hope to share with your students about how to write for an audience. Are you captivating your audiences? Check to see the quantity and quality of the comments you are receiving :)
3 comments:
I think the word "blog" just sounds boring!
I must admit after reading the chapters in Richardson's book I have a MUCH better understanding of what Weblogs are. Prior to the readings,I did not have a full understanding of them. However, as I read, I thought what really is the benefit in keeping a blog versus maintaining a classroom webpage? I can post assignments, newsletters, etc. on each. Why blog then?
The chapters in Richardson's book also helped me gain a better understanding about Weblogs, but I still have the same question as you. Why blog? One thought from another ITSer is the fact that we can gain different perspectives on things from people in different parts of the world. I think that could have educational value.
I think a great value of blogs is that is provides the perfect opportunity for students to think about their thinking, to write their ideas and thoughts for an audience, and enables them to engage readers with ideas, questions and links. This is quite different than having students write reflections. It is another tool that is found outside the school walls and can be brought into the class for promoting thinking.
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