Blogs were described by the technological experts as being a simple web 2.0 tool which supported traditional literacy. The simplicity of blogs allowed the user to focus on the content rather than on the medium to collaborate with bloggers on topics of interest. This technology gave the user the opportunity to use reading and writing skills to communicate ideas in a rich social environment. Kamel Boulos, Maramba, & and Wheeler (2006) believed that blogs were able to promote “dynamic learning communities”.
Blogs can be used as a research tool by learners to gather and share views on similar topics. Students are given the opportunity to comment on posts as well as publish posts to highlight individual concerns, ideas and opinions. This exercise requires the blogger to read and analyze the content so that the responses will be suitable to the target audience. The blogger can then critically respond to the material while developing creativity. The learner can incorporate links, videos, and audios to support contributions while enhancing learning.
Learners have traditionally used blogs as a journal to record learned material. Blogs can be used to post assignments and to highlight class activities. Students can be encouraged to post poems, reflect on readings and comment on fellow learners posted work. The teacher can also post thought provoking issues for students to respond to in the comment box.
The teacher can show the versatility of blogs by posting the learners work done in class. Class portals can be created to display activities within the classroom, poems, essays, instructions to complete mathematical and science exercises, art work and past and upcoming activities. The blog can also be used as a portfolio for the learner to observe his or her progress over time. Blogs will encourage learners to become global analytical and critical thinkers.
I am fascinated by the versatility of blogs and their use in the classroom. However it seems to me that the greatest benefit would be appreciated most by those who are very literate. Struggling readers would experience some difficulty in communication their thoughts and feelings. Teachers who acknowledges the value of blogging as an instructional tool and intend to extend their usage to struggling readers would need to consider, which component of reading development needs to be addressed and whether the technology might help to address the critical needs of the students.
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