The Potential of Blogs

I have done a PMI analysis of the potential of using blogs in the teaching context. It is very clear that we should be using blogs in teaching as I could not come up with many minus thoughts on the subject. Although I do wish to make clear that a blog can not replace effective teaching. It is in my opinion only a pedagogical tool to be used effectively along with other tools and techniques.

Plus	Minus	Interesting
+      Very easy to set up. +      Students can access blog at any time. +      Facilitator can provide students with links to more learning’s. +      Can facilitate learning for diverse students – with revision of days work, extra resources if deeper understanding is required.  More info for gifted students. +      Students can comment on each others work +      Because a posting can only be changed by the author is has some sort of permanency +      Students can keep a journal of their learning +      Care givers can see what students are busy with +      Critical reflections can be done +      Will improve student’s writing skills as they are writing for the WWW and not just for a teacher.	-      Not all students have access to computer at home. -      Some students may have privacy issues.	?       Why do I not see this been used at schools?

How would I apply using a blog in teaching Maths and Business
I would use blogs in the following ways to enhance and support my students learning and in some cases my own learning;

• Reflections - entice students to reflect and keep dairies of their learning on their own blogs. 

• To post class information such as homework, timetables, assignments, events and topics for the week or month. Not only can the students review information here but parents can get an idea what their children are busy with.
• Post work that has been exceptional for all to gain experience from, of course with the students permission.
• Have links to more in depth studies of the topics currently being studied in both Maths and science for those students that feel they would like to extend themselves.
• Explanation of the daily work being done for students that are struggling to understand a topic.
• Post photo's of outings or fun activities that were done in the classroom.

   

References

Duffy, P. (2008). Engaging the YouTube Google-Eyed Generation: Strategies for Using Web 2.0 in Teaching and Learning. Electronic Journal e-Learning Volume 6 Issue 2 2008 , (119 - 130).