A blog is a frequently updated Web site characterized by a reverse chronological listing of entries that can be searched, archived and categorized according to labels, called tags, assigned by the author (Cox & King, 2011, p. 90). In addition, Ferdig and Trammel (2004) define weblogs, or blogs, as Web pages that are often likened to online personal journals.
A blog, short for "weblog" is a portal to exchange information across internet boundaries. According to Cox & King, (2011), early blogs were almost exclusively used by the computer design and programming industry (p.90). A blog takes on the appearance of a diary, with posting ordered in chronological sequence. Oravec (2002) discussed application of weblogs and online journals as
educational tools and identify that they can be used to enhance
students' critical thinking and literacy skills. It should be noted that this type of online journaling is not supposed to be restricted to use by young people and college students. There is an academic use for the blog as well.
Sources
Oravec, J.A. (2002). Bookmarking the world: Weblog applications in education. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 45(7), 616-621.
Ferdig, R.E. & Trammell, K.D. (2004). Content Delivery in the "Blogosphere". T.H.E. Journal, 31(7),.
I am new to blogging and still in the questioning phases in regards to how to best apply them for my students in my distance learning classrooms. Many blogs that I have seen are very unorganized, yours is an exception, so because of this I fear my students getting lost when reading the material. I much prefer the threaded aspect of Discussion Questions which allow for easy navigation and searching.
ReplyDeleteI do think that students though may like the free flow of a blog more than the structure of the discussion board. I believe this may be a case of me moving from an instructor based approach to a leaner based approach. Perhaps this is something I will try in my next section of courses.
Fred-
DeleteI'm somewhat new to the use of a blog in a class myself. I have been using blogger.com for the past 10 years (or so) for different purposes, mainly for out of class type of things. Here's an example of one of my blogs:
http://washburnscotland2015.blogspot.com/
I hope to add a blog exercise to one of my spring 2016 online classes.
Thank you for your description of a blog Tony. In most new ventures, I always find it helpful to know what exactly I am facing, and your concise words allow me to zero in on what the ideal blog can look like. I wondered if you would share your experience with blogs, discussion boards or journals and whether or not you have had the opportunity to use them in an educational setting, and what your preferences are. I am finding that many instructors, more seasoned than I, are likening blogs to journals. I’m not sure if there is an underlying inference of a less academic function of blogs and journals, and would be interested in hearing your position. I found a study that presents an interesting table of some of the affordances of blogs. In discussing the findings I was most struck by the authors’ statement, “These findings suggest that faculty who use weblogs find the greatest benefit of weblogging to be the opportunity for self-expression and perhaps the self-reflection that accompanies considerations.” (Brescia & Miller, 2006). I look forward to your response and the opportunity collaborate through this journey!
ReplyDeleteBrescia, W. F., & Miller, M. T. (2006). What’s it worth? The perceived benefits of instructional blogging. Electronic Journal for the Integration of Technology in Education, 5(1), 44-52.
Toni - I have been using this blogger.com site for a long time, mainly for memorializing trips and club activities. Here's an example of one of my blogs:
Deletehttp://deerpathbravesrfc.blogspot.com/
It was a great way to create a free website environment for my team parents, and for the kids to access team info and photos of games. I am hoping to include a blog exercise in to my spring 2016 online classes. I'm not sure at this moment what that will look like.
Thank you for the link! My son plays rugby (much to my chagrin!) so it fun to see your photos. I am certain by the end of this class, you will have a clearer picture of what that site for your class will look like!
ReplyDelete