Introduction to blogs

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An introduction to Blogs

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“The experience of collective knowledge
generation can and should be applied to
traditional educational environments”
Times are changing ...

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Times are changing …
“Traditional” educational
environments were
different back in the days when
blackberries and apples
were still fruit!

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Blackberry and Apple then ...

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Blackberry and Apple now ...

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What is a blog?
A "blog“ is:
•an abbreviation for WEBLOG
•a form of micro-publishing
•a web-based journal in which people can publish their thoughts
and opinions on the Internet

7. Visit: www.howtostartablog.com
Use one of the free blog publishing tools
available online: e.g. wordpress and blogger
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How to start your own blog

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The benefits of blogging include …
•Interactive communication between all the role players
•Resource and opinion sharing
•Opportunities for collaboration and reflection
•Promoting critical reasoning skills
•Assistance in building learning communities

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Blogging versus other tools
Why should I utilize a blog when my traditional
computer-mediated communication educational tool
(such as myTUTor) is in place?

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Blogging versus other tools
Kim suggested a model for the use of blogs in educational context
by taking into account the socio-technical systems theory.
This model contributes to the following:
1. Interactivity
2. An open system
3. A visualization tool
4. A decentralized environment of online communication

11. Blogs can overcome the following CMC system
limitations by providing an environment for the
Following (Kim):
1. Diminished ‘lurking’ / lack of posting
2. A sense of ownership
3. Decentralized system where bloggers control the
structure of their individual entries
4. Chronological and category based archiving possible
5. Easy to publish and easy to access attributes makes it more user
friendly
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Why blogging is recommended

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Incorporating valid assessment in blogging
Cynthia James suggests a rubric emphasizing the 3 R’s:
Relevance
Research
Reflection (evidence of critical thinking)

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An example of using a blog in education
2nd year learners in Bio-ethics in Medicine are introduced to a
Public Health Ethics Framework as part of an in-class learning
experience
Students are expected to apply the Public Health Ethics
Framework in small groups with self-chosen ‘projects’ on campus
out-of-class
The students projects are posted on the blog together with other
relevant discussions that reflect on social accountability

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An example of using a blog in education
The out-of-class activities are followed up with in-class learner
presentations and reflection
Learner feedback is very positive
Students not only develop logical and critical reasoning and
Knowledge on the topic, but also discover how to learn and use
e-learning in a fun, interactive manner, while becoming change
agents for their own communities

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Benefits of using an online blog
Oravec on the use of a blog as a tool for deeper learning:
•An online journal encourages personal reflection
•Stimulates collaboration through resource sharing (through links)
•Provides up to date information
•Empowers the learner through having their ‘unique voices’ heard
•Encourages critical, analytical thinking

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Conclusion
“Blogs have many pedagogical and technological aspects
that make them suitable tools for lifelong learning”
(Cameron & Anderson)