For a student who at the beginning of his course found the concept of blogging terrifying, I am happy to report, not only have I started to enjoy this ICT tool, but can also now recognise the significant benefits to using this tool within the classroom. Here is a SWOT analysis I have put together, after reflecting on the use of the tool and my experiences to date.
Strengths · Owned by the student · Single Author · Collaborative in that comments can be added by students in the class using additional posts and comments · Students can further benefit from developing analytical writing skills · Blogs are chronologically structured · No technical knowledge required. The Blog could be closed, so that no public access is granted to anyone other than the students within the class. · | Weaknesses · Unlike social network sites, comments made on the blog cannot be responded to directly · Students may not feel confident enough to participate within the blog environment · Do all students within the class have access to a computer and the Internet |
Opportunities · From any online space you can link to your blog, for example your class web page. · A creative way for the students to reflect on their individual learning experiences throughout the year · A link for parents to see the progress their child is making throughout the year. · May be used as another ICT tool for uploading assignments and drafts for teacher evaluation. Comments section of the blog could be used as follow ups from the teacher | Threats · Student Safety. Are the students old enough to comprehend the risks of information available on the Internet. · Permission issues with information, photos, video or music being placed on a student blog page. · Plagiarism would need to be addressed |
Blogging can be a creative way to encourage student participation throughout a variety of assessments in a classroom. I have been able to continually reflect on my experiences throughout this course, and have realised it can be beneficial in this way to students' in my class. It can also help the students’ learn to write reflectively, through journal writing and demonstrate their ability to debate constructively in this online space. My own writing skills using this genre has improve greatly, and this may be beneficial to a student. Collaboration can be seen though a students’ ability to read and process different perspectives and to make constructive comments about their fellow peers work. I can definitely seen the benefit of such a tool with the context of many different collaborative units. For instance, students’ can participate in cooperative learning activities that require them to relay research findings, ideas, or suggestions. I have also considered the below points in ensuring I prepare the students effectively;
Preparing Students for Blogging
- Inform parents of procedures and secure parental permission.
- Teach students safe, acceptable, and sensible behavior as online authors and readers.
- Review policies and guidelines pertaining to student access.
- Teach the non-posting rules of no complete names, e-mail accounts, or references to reveal location.
- Set clear expectations regarding tone, respect, and consequences.
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