Usefulness of Blogs in the Classroom

Before getting in the information of how useful blogs can be in the classroom, first we need to understand what a blog is. A blog is an online journal that can be used to record individual or group experiences, observations, reflections, impressions, opinions, questions and research notes across a range of different subjects (Queensland Education, 2010). Blogs allow other participants to comment on certain postings. Looking at both the positive and negative impacts, we can then decided wether blogs will be useful in classrooms?

Blogs can enhace the learning of students. Some advantages of introducing blogs in the classroom involve:

• It enhances critical thinking
• Creates a narrative
• Formal and informal diclosures
• Research attribution
• Linking
• Taking creative risks
• Collaborative thinking
• Participating in variety of conversations (Queensland Education, 2010)
• Enhances writing skills
• Enhances technology skills
• Has the opportunity to share ideas and opinions with classmates (Slideshare, 2010)

The advantages of blogs mainly revolves around the enhancement of learning. It provides ways for students to become more creative and adventurous with their writing skills. At the same time of enahncing their writing skills, students can grasp the basic technology skills of the internet and how to use it effectively in their writing.

There may be the advantages of blogs, however there are the disadvantages that can occur in the class. A few of these may include:

• Disruptive behaviour with the students. Students may talk with each other on their blogs about anything but the topic given, therefore becoming distracted
• Not all students will be interested in what other students post on their blogs and therefore will not participate
• There is no confidentiality
• The internet can become slow with so many students on at the same time (Slideshare, 2010)

With all these disadvantages, there can be ways to fix the problems. For example if students are off task they are given the option to complete the activity set or they can write it in their books. Another example of a disadvantage being fixed can be that the internet might take some time to load, however sending only a couple of students at a time can enhance the internets speed.

Blogs can be useful in the classroom. They can be used for assessments or just simple activities in the room, or even the students thoughts about the topics being taught. Which ever the situation, blogs can and will enahce the students ability to write with a creative mind. These will develope the students literacy skills and therefore should be introduced into classrooms.

Reference

• Queensland Education. (2010). About blogs. retrieved November 5, 2010, from http://education.qld.gov.au/learningplace/communication/blogs/aboutblogs.html

• SlideShare. (2010). Advantages and disadvantages in email and blogs. retrieved November 5, 2010, from www.slideshare.net/alexandriasoto/advantages-and-disadvantages-in-email-and-blogs-3295411