Blogging an effective tool for academic writing

Blogging: an Effective Tool for Academic Writing Sharon Pajka, Ph.D. Gallaudet University Gallaudet University eCurriculum Technology Research Grant ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],References * Researchers have noted advantages of blogging; yet, few studies include Deaf students. Research was conducted in sections of English courses at Gallaudet University. English Educators seek the best ways to incorporate authentic reading and writing as well as ways to bridge the gaps underprepared students have; yet, they face students who often have little interest or motivation in completing traditional writing assignments. McMillan-Clifton (2007) writes, it would seem that effective composition instruction should move toward embracing the forms that students are already growing comfortable with outside of the classroom.Ž (52). ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],Background 1 Methods 2 Data 3 Fall 2007 (n=12) Students in the developmental English course noted: Intrinsic Motivation & Personal Connections Making Connections & Building Relationships Ownership Usefulness & Flexibility Fall 2008 (n=28) Students collaborated via blogging & noted the benefits 68% looked at classmates blogs when confused with course reading 61% found this useful 100% read all of the required reading 68% admitted that they wouldn’t have if it weren’t for their blogs Fall 2009 (n=30: 17 blogging section/ 13 traditional section ) 94% of the students in the blogging section completed their writing assignments while 76% completed all of them in the traditional writing section. Students in the blogging section showed a slight improvement in the categories of Formatting & Citing, Critical Thinking, Organization of Ideas, and Audience Awareness. There was no significant difference in Written English Conventions based on the GU Writing Rubric. Conclusion Student blogging is a tool that promotes literacy and authentic reading and writing. Researchers conclude that student blogging encourages engagement in learning (Ferdig & Trammell, 2004). Since blogs include both written and graphic components where text along with visuals come together to form meaning, blogging may hold an added benefit for deaf students. Kluth (2008) reports that research on visual supports, including graphic organizers, handouts, manipulatives, and other visual representations of information are imperative for deaf and hard of hearing students when they are learning to read and understand content information. Many deaf and hard of hearing students are considered visual learners who benefit from graphically represented content (Kluth, 170). Findings included that blogging fosters academic and personal writing, offers authentic opportunities to practice English, and builds a community of trust and respect among classmates. 6 ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],Concerns with Student Blogging 5 ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],4 Benefits of Student Blogging

Blogging an effective tool for academic writing

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