Blogs as a Teaching Tool.

What is a blog?

SCHNEIDER, 2011

A blog is simply an internet tool that allows individuals or groups to post their personal opinions or expirences, information and observations, or virtually anything they deem interesting or valuable. This technological tool allows users to post this content on a regular basis on a publicly accessible website (Dictonary.com,2012) . Blogs are generally proposed for personal use however, there is a rise in the use of these tools in the education setting. Habermehl (n.d) states that blogs and other web based tools are engaging and motivating tools to be used within the classroom. They support collaborative learning and allow higher order thinking.  If Blogs are going to be used within the classroom however, it is vital that the Learning Manger is aware of the ethical and legal issues of using this wonderful tool. The department of Education (2012) suggest that "Blogs provide a communication space that teachers can utilize with students whenever there is a curriculum need to develop writing, share ideas and reflect on work being undertaken in the classroom."

Learning theory involved in blogs?

It is alleged that the use of Blogs coincide with the  Constructivism learning theories. This is believed because when students participate in blogs the learning is founded upon social interactions within a learning community such as fellow class peers or Learning Managers.  This tool allows students to collaborate and share their ideas with each other, resulting in further understanding and knowledge. This online tool allows students to justify, elaborate, and build their knowledge on specific content. (Fasso, 2012).

Seitzinger, (2006) highlights that blogs support multiple elements of constructivism, these are listed below: 

• Problem-based learning
• Learner-centeredness
• Collaborative learning
• Social presence
• Interactivity
• Support
• Cognitive tools
• (Seitzinger, 2006, pg 3-4 )

Habermehl, (n.d) has explored the positives and negatives of this tool in his post: The Benefits and Concerns of the Read/Write Web in Education: Blogs, Wikis, RSS, and Social Networks, including MySpace.com This resources has been highly beneficial when considering the Plus, Minus and Interesting factors of educational blogs. This can be viewed below. 

Personal Reflection:

When considering the points made in the PMI chart and my own use of a blog for educational purposes, it is seen that there are numerous positives that can result from the use of blogs in the classroom. It is essential however, that these tools are used with regard to TPACK framework and the Safe, Ethical and Legal Practices surrounding this tool are considered. From my personal experiencing using a blog, I found that it was a creative and alternative way to present my ideas and reflect on my learning. Teachers would need to monitor students posts to ensure they understand content and are posting relevant information. Educators need to provide students with the guidance necessary to use these technologies effectively, ethically, and safely (Habermehl, n.d., pg 1).  My education blog: Education and the Inclusion of Technology can be accessed via the link provided. 

(Hedon, 2011)

Resources
the following resource provided numerous possible uses of blogs in the classroom. 

• BLOGS IN EDUCATION by Huette, 2006. 

Reference:

Department of Education. (2012) Blogs in Education, retrieved from ttp://www.det.wa.edu.au/education/cmis/eval/curriculum/ict/weblogs/

Dictionary.com. (2012) Blog, Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/blog

Fasso, W. (2012) A Brief Overview of Learning Theory, Retrieved from CQUniveristy e-courses, FAHE11001 Managing E-Learning, http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/page/view.php?id=12563

Habermehl, W (n.d.) The Benefits and Concerns of the Read/Write Web in Education:

Blogs, Wikis, RSS, and Social Networks, including MySpace.com, Retrieved from http://edtechlife.com/files/ReadWriteWeb1Page.pdf

Hedon. (2011) Blogs [Image], retrieved from, http://www.hedon.info/Blogs

Huette, S. (2006) Blogs in Education, retrieved from http://tep.uoregon.edu/shared/blogswikispodcasts/BlogsInEducation.pdf

Schneider, B. (2011), 10 Blogs You Should Be Reading Now [Image], retrieved from http://www.schneiderb.com/10-blogs-you-should-be-reading-now/

Seitzinger, J. (2006) Be Constructive: Blogs, Podcasts, and Wikis as Constructivist Learning Tools, retrieved from http://69.18.156.82/21/blogs%20wikis%20podcasts%20learning%20tools.pdf