What is a blog?
A blog (short for weblog)
is a 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