The first article I read was read was Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, Blogging Across the Disciplines: Integrating Technology to Enhance Liberal Learning, Davi, A., Frydenber, M., Gulati, G., Vol. 3, No. 3, September 2007.
This article is geared toward the use of blogs in college courses and integrating this popular technology into the classroom. A study was conducted at a business university in three different courses. They used the blog the same way for each class...assign readings, post discussion questions and reflections. The author discusses the many ways in which blogs are beneficial in the classroom. By creating an online form of communication, it can create a sense of community outside the classroom, allow students to interact with one another and give every student an equal voice. Blogs can also be used an "online diary" where students can write about their own thoughts, feelings and experiences related to their specific course topics.
This article also discusses the differences in gender and technology. To my surprise, the article says that women are more likely to feel intimidated about participating in the blog and have less online experience than men. However, their studies showed that women found that women benefited more from their blogging experience.
I enjoyed this article. This article was from 2007 and it seems that a lot of my college courses are moving toward the discussion/reflection outside the classroom. I'm sure we are all familiar with Moodle and in a sense, our discussion forums on Moodle are a type of blog. I would also agree that it creates an open platform for everyone to join in the discussion. More often than not, I find that my classes usually have one or two students that are more outspoken than everyone else. On the flip side, there are probably others that are not as comfortable to speak in front of the whole classroom. Blogging and communication might be easier for those who are less likely to engage in the classroom to be part of the discussion.
Article #2 came from Australasian Journal of Education Technology, Exploring the Use of Blogs as Learning Spaces in the Higher Education Sector, Williams, J., Vol. 20, Issue 2, 2004, Pg 232-247. This article talks about what a blog is and how it has evolved into a powerful technology teaching/informational tool. It discusses how blogs are used in everyday life and how it is being introduced and used in classes in higher education. It looked at two different studies and concluded that students who were asked to use blogs as part of class participation found it to be beneficial and helpful. There was very little negative feedback.
Both articles that I read revealed similar information so this particular article did not surprise me or introduce anything new. This article was written in 2004 and it is kind of interesting to see how all of their findings compare to today. I am familiar with different types of blogs and have regular blogs that I read daily. Some for entertainment and some for informational purposes. I think researchers knew that blogging was an up and coming thing...hence the research and articles!
I remember a fellow commission member of the Mat-Su Planning Commission asking once why we were qualified to serve on that commission. The given answer was that we were reasonable thinking individuals.
ReplyDeleteEvery article or essay we read will not reveal something totally beyond our experience. Often readings will be a reinforcement of what we already have experienced and known. So "no surprises" but good reinforcement to say, "I can do it!"
Within days you will be among the elite who have studied and understand the essence of blogging as a form of communicating and educating. Congratulations.
I agree that the use of blogs may help increase class participation by those who are less likely to speak up in class. However, I also think there are some students who would not speak up regardless of what medium they are asked to participate in class. The research I read, also suggests that students do not have negative comments about blogging. How to keep students interested in blogging and keep it from becoming over used is something we as educators need be careful about.
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