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Using blogs in the languages classroom
What is a blog?
A blog (short for weblog) is kind of online diary which is simple to set up and allows you to share ideas quickly and easily with others via the Internet without requiring much technical know-how. Articles or 'posts' appear in chronological order according to date and, unlike a static web page, readers can leave feedback in the form of comments, thereby making the content more interactive and creating a sense of community at the same time. Along with other emerging technologies such as podcasts and wikis, blogs are typically classified as one of a new set of tools forming part of what is commonly described as Web 2.0, a term designed to indicate how it is now easier to publish user-generated content and collaborate with others online.
Key features
- Blogs are versatile and can foster creativity
- Blogs are an easy way to publish text, images, sound or video files online to a real audience
- Blogs are free or inexpensive to run and only require a computer with Internet access to get started
- Students tend to find them motivating because they are already familiar with social networking sites such as Bebo and MySpace and like to use them in their own free time
- They can encourage students to raise their standards as they know they are writing for a real purpose
- They allow for peer assessment through comments in a safe environment
- They can give students a voice and the opportunity to give feedback about their learning
- Blogs promote global citizenship
Educational blogs can be divided into three broad groups:
- Teacher reflection blogs: teachers share good practice, network with like-minded colleagues and supplement their continuing professional development from a worldwide perspective
- Teacher-led blogs: teachers showcase students’ work, offer Assessment for Learning opportunities and ensure pupil safety by establishing blog rules and by moderating comments
- Student-led blogs: students run individual blogs and take ownership of their own learning
