Why use blogs in the classroom?

Throughout the course of this semester, we have incorporated the use of blogs into our course work. This is the first time I have ever done anything like this. Now that I have done this myself and have had time to reflect on how blogs are used, I like the ideas of using blogs very much. I have found that there are many possible instructional uses for blogs in the classroom. For example, many teachers require students to hand in hard copies of journal entries. This creates a lot of loose paper a teacher must keep track of. Instead of using this traditional method, blog entries could function the same way without the hassle, plus they would be posted online for future reference. Blogs also show the date and time of which they are posted, therefore the teacher would be able to tell if the assignment was completed on time. Another example would be for students to present certain assignments as a blog. In this way students can change the colors, design, and publish their work. Students are allotted more options for aesthetic presentation and are able to publish their work on the Internet. Blogs provide many advantages over traditional forms. However, before teachers decide to use blogs, or any other types of media in the classroom, they must be sure all students have equal access to computers and the internet. They must not assume all students have equal computer knowledge. In addition, teachers must have the right motives for using blogs. They should not use blogs because they are the latest fad, or to cut corners in instruction, or because using blogs is something the teacher enjoys. Blogs should be used because it is one way to bring out the best in students’ writing.
Overall, I think the use of blogs in the classroom has proven to be a key tool in integrating technology and improving aspects for both students and teachers.