Creating a blog is very easy and I think that is one of the best parts about blogging. Many people, both students and teachers, are weary of a lot of Web 2.0 tools because they think that they must be complicated or require a lot of prerequisite technology knowledge. After creating a blog, they realize that the tool is user-friendly and very easy to use and that encourages them to be more open-minded and try other web tools. There are many benefits to using blogging, but there are also a few drawbacks that I have seen.
Educational Blogging Pros:
- Authentic scenarios allow students to become more invested in creating knowledge.
- Wide audience keeps students accountable for rhetoric, grammar, and mechanics.
- Interaction allows students to learn from and help each other.
- The format encourages student engagement because many students enjoy using computers.
- Blog writing prompts allow students to develop traditional literacy as well as digital literacy while developing their individual voices.
Educational Blogging Cons:
- Some students might be intimidated by the live audience.
- Students can abuse the interactivity and use it for inappropriate or negative communication.
- Students need access to a computer in order to utilize the tool.
- Some parents might not understand the need for web-based technology tools.
Unfortunately, this is not a tool that I use as frequently as I would like because my district's Acceptable Use Policy is pretty strict about electronic communication. Luckily, my administrators did create a Blogging Policy which is an amendment to the AUP and we also have Moodle which allows for secure posting that can be closely monitored by the instructor.
Great summary of the pros and cons of blogging!
ReplyDeleteI may add these two to your list: 1) blogging can be very linear; 2) The "Next Blog" button on the top of the page may prevent some teachers and parents from allowing their students or kids to use blogging because every time you click on it, it leads to a different blog, which may lead to some unknown topic or territory.
I think you hit on a number of good pros and cons, especially the ease of use. It is not an imtimidating web 2.0 technology tool. One of your pros, that students develop traditional literary skills is a great. So mnay students are forgetting the basic grammer skills because we use texting shorthand to communicate. I find that I sometimes revert to symbols and shorthand when I am writing and need the reminder that it is not always acceptable!
ReplyDeleteI also think that listing the con of not having access to technology was good because we sometimes forget that some of the students we teach may not be afforded the same opportunities as others.
I love that you as an English teacher view blogging as a reading and writing tool. Too often my literacy colleagues are quick to dismiss the web 2.0 tools a valid forms of reading and writing.
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