Blogs

JANEEN’S BLOG

ICT FOR LEARNING DESIGN

What is a Blog?

A Blog is a personal journal/reflection that is displayed online. 

This is an example of a blog.  You will see that there are several posts to this Blog.  Please feel free to have a look at each post and feel free to insert a comment.

You can upload content, images (as above), videos (as will be shown below) and other html files.

How to Create a Blog

To create a Blog you will first need to register for an account at http://www.blogger.com  The account is free and it is easy to establish.

Please watch the following video to get more information on creating a blog:

How Can A Blog Be Used in the Classroom

There are a number of ways that a Blog can be used in the classroom, including:

• Students can use their blog space to submit assignments/assessments such as this assignment;
• Students can use their blog to complete homework tasks
• Students can create their own blog
• Students can comment on readings etc on their blog
• Students can complete writing tasks on their blog, such as creating stories, providing reflections etc
• A blog can be created by the teacher which students can view.  This blog can have material being studied located on it to help students understand the topics in more detail.
• The blog can contain links to other information in case a student is not understanding the topic.
• Tutorials or lectures can be provided on the blog
• The uses are endless.

PMI Analysis of Using Blogs in the Classroom

The advantages of using a Blog in the classroom include:

• It uses ICT methods in a fun and interesting manner and which enhances learning areas, including reading, writing etc.
• It encourages exploration on the internet
• It allows students to complete tasks online so they don't have to worry about forgetting their homework etc
• It saves paper
• It has so many features that students can watch videos, see images etc.
• It supports constructivism learning theories but may also support behaviourism as ideas are retained on the blog for future reference.  It may also support cognitivism theories of learning as images and charts can be displayed as well as Connectivism theories of learning as it can provide links to other places where information can be obtained (Elearning Pedagogy).
• It supports all learning styles if used appropriately (Learning Styles and Strategies)
• It encourages higher order thinking (Blooms Taxonomy) as it:-
• Identifies content and allows retrieval of that content ("Remembering")
• It can summarise content ("Understanding")
• It allows students to implement the content by making comments/posts ("Applying")
• It allows students to analyse information by accessing other links and viewing and comparing information ("Analysing")
• It allows students to experiment ("Evaluating")
• It also allows students to create their own blog posts/comments relevant to the topic ("Creating)".                 

The disadvantages of using a Blog in the classroom include:

• The formatting of the blog can be difficult
• The need to watch content that is exposed through blogs
• It does not enhance writing skills so this should be considered in other plans
• It can be very time consuming and other areas can be neglected.

Blogs are interesting as they are free to use, can be accessed by the whole world and can be updated as often as you like.

Personal Reflection

I had never heard of a Blog before this course.  I have really enjoyed creating my blog but have often spent way too much time on it.  Once I think I have completed my post I often discover something new and then go back and edit and update with the new things I have discovered.  Therefore, I find it is an all consuming production.  I like that with a Blog you can view other peoples blogs and get a feel for how they are doing something and then relate that to your own blog in your own way.  Therefore, you are constantly learning.  I think it is a great tool and I am sure I will use it in the classroom.  No more will students be able to say "I forgot my homework" as it will be accessible online.

Referencing

R Felder and B Soloman (no date) - Learning Styles and Strategies - online resource -http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/ILSdir/styles.htm

K Lein (no date) - ELearning Pedagogy - online resource - http://elearningpedagogy.com

BGFL (2002-2012) - Multiple Intelligences - online resource - http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks1/ict/multiple_int/what.cfm,

P Mishra and MJ Koehler (2006) Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge: A Framework for Teacher Knowledge;

Blooms Taxonomy of Learning Domains (no date) - online resource - http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/bloom.html

You Tube

http://www.blogger.com

Images from google clip art