Blogs are social media platforms that let users share thoughts and opinions with a genuine, organic audience, allowing the blog writer to easily communicate with that audience. Blogs typically read like a diary entry and contain a sequence of entries sorted from newest to oldest. Blogs may cover a variety of subjects, including fashion, traveling, budgeting, parenting, and much more. Some blogs are authored by an individual, while others feature multiple authors. Blogging software tends to be extremely user-friendly, but it is also highly customizable in design and layout.<\/p>\n
See also: Teaching with Wiki<\/a><\/p>\n Social media can carry negative connotations, but it may surprise you to learn how useful blogs can be in academics. Teachers who aim to help their students learn to communicate and to take a true interest in their own education may find blogs to be extremely effective tools. Students can utilize blogs to write formally or informally, and blogs are versatile enough to feature many media types, such as photos, URLs, videos, and more. This encourages students to be imaginative when it comes to their blog\u2019s content, allowing for originality and self-expression.<\/p>\n See also: Problem based learning<\/a><\/p>\n Students can communicate and discuss their thoughts effectively with their peers, both in their real-life peer group and on the Internet in general. This is a unique outlet for written student content, which was traditionally only read by a single person (the teacher). Traditional writing projects might feel boring or monotonous to students, but blogs allow for active peer participation and communication. This could encourage students to put more effort into their writing, and the feedback is an effective self-esteem booster. Because blogs are available publicly, they allow the student to relate to their peers in unique new capacities, finding common ground in a way that would be impossible in the traditional classroom setting. Students can use blogs to explore and convey their thoughts and ideas online in a much more laid-back atmosphere. Blogs combine the rigidity of a classroom writing project with the opportunity for expression of individuality.<\/p>\n See also: Just in Time Teaching<\/a><\/p>\n See also: How to Design a Course<\/a><\/p>\n Important decisions for teaching with blogs<\/strong><\/p>\n Teachers who are considering introducing blogs as an educational tool should ponder and plan a few different aspects of blog use in the classroom. Important considerations include:<\/p>\n The student\u2019s blog writing should be considered another classroom tool. Clearly communicate the relationship between online and classroom work to your students by explaining that the writing in their blogs should enhance and enrich their education in the class.<\/p>\n See also: Concept Maps<\/a><\/p>\n There can be a lot to learn when it comes to incorporating blogs into education. Your preferred blogging site and communication guidelines are just two of the considerations you\u2019ll have to make when implementing blog use. Because blogging sites and\/or applications offer so many versatile choices and customizations, it can take some time to decide what works best for you and your students.<\/p>\n Weigh the pros and cons of allowing comments, access, and interaction from organic visitors. Your school or university may have guidelines in place that prohibit certain aspects of blog use. Ensure that students\u2019 personal writing and photos can be shared publicly.<\/p>\n See also: Flipped classroom<\/a><\/p>\n You should have defined, clear-cut guidelines for blog use before you start using them in your classroom. The majority of students won\u2019t have an educational blogging background, so you will need to explain everything to them clearly.<\/p>\n The educational content of your class can be conveyed through writing assignments, but blogs do demand that students sharpen their writing proficiency and express their message efficiently. You will need to take the time to educate students on the significance of attention to detail where grammar and format are concerned. You should utilize the blog as a tool to offer writing evaluations and assessments in order to better sharpen their writing expertise.<\/p>\n The commenting function of a blog offers students the opportunity to exchange ideas and viewpoints. They can collaborate with the blog in a unique way. It is vital that students understand how to craft an effective, useful comment for the blog. You may choose to communicate the rules for commenting through the use of example comments or by setting some ground rules for comments. Students should avoid disparaging comments and foul language, instead opting for well-thought-out, relevant, and reasonable commentary. You should clearly communicate potential consequences for inappropriate or hurtful posts and comments.<\/p>\nWhy Should Blogs Be Used for Teaching?<\/h2>\n
How Do Blogs Encourage Learning?<\/h2>\n
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Relevant Considerations for Use of Blogs in Teaching<\/h2>\n
How will the blog and the classroom correlate?<\/h3>\n
Which blogging site\/application is best for your classroom?<\/h3>\n
Should the blogs be personal, or should they be available publicly?<\/h3>\n
Clearly communicate guidelines before implementing blog use in your classroom<\/h3>\n
Attention To Detail<\/h3>\n
Communicating Expectations and Guidelines for Comments<\/h3>\n