Article #5: Mistakes in Blogging

Summary:

This particular article, by Ruth Reynard explains the nature of blogging in a point of view meant for educators. Five common mistakes are discussed to help teachers have a better understanding of integrating blogs in their curricula: 1) ineffective contextualization, 2) unclear learning outcomes, 3) misuse of the environment, 4) illusive grading practices, and 5) inadequate time allocation. The author warns the teacher that if not careful,ineffective blogging will hinder a student’s learning and his learning process. Suggestions have been made to curve around problems associated with blogging. For example, by reflecting on an assignment the student will benefit from and enhance his/her knowledge about the subject or unit of concentration. In order for that to happen, the instructor must provide adequate information for the student to which he must reflect on. Along those same lines, analyzing, synthesizing, and forming new ideas become consequential in a student’s learning process.



The author explains how blogging is a one-way process and not essentially an online comment forum. She also warns that if posting a blog is the sole intent to journal one’s thoughts, and comments are provided (by the instructor), then to be extra careful with comments to prevent the student from withdrawing on expanding more on his/her ideas. The importance of rubrics is also explained in this article. This will give the student a clear understanding of what is expected. Giving the students adequate time to allocate his/her ideas supports and encourages critical thinking when blogging.

My Opinion:

What I like about this article is how the author’s careful planning on how a blog should or shouldn’t be gave me a clear idea on how to utilize it in my classroom. I agree that blogging is a wonderful tool for analytical/critical thinking and that journaling gives the instructor an idea of how his/her thought-process works. The author placed its emphasis on the importance of web-journaling inside a classroom. One thing I did not find is statistics. A study should have been done on the benefits of blogging vs. writing (on paper) as they seem to be very similar. Blogging is open to the public and it’s great that students are encouraged to research and analyze their thoughts; but how will blogging (vs. writing) benefit the student in the future? I am a passionate blogger myself, but I have my reasons to do it. One is personal, one is educational, and one is to record my progress and share it with those who might benefit from it. Ruth Reynard should state the importance of blogging and why is it seen by the public. The article is clear-cut, dry, and to the point with her views (and experiences) on blogging inside a classroom.  I would have liked to see some studies made on the effective-ness on educational blogging.

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Reynard, Ruth (10/01/08).  Avoiding the 5 Most Common Mistakes in Using Blogs with Students. Campus Technology.  Retrieved from: http://campustechnology.com/Articles/2008/10/Avoiding-the-5-Most-Common-Mistakes-in-Using-Blogs-with-Students.aspx?Page=1