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CHAPTER 2: WEBLOGS PEDAGOGY AND PRACTICE BY ARION LONG & ANGELA ALSTON

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WHAT IS A WEBLOG? A weblog is an easily created, easily updatable website that allows an author(s) to publish instantly to the internet from any internet connection. They are comprised of reflections and conversations, that in many cases are updated every day- or multiple times a day. They engage readers with ideas,questions and links. They ask readers to think and respond, and they demand interaction Blogs can include pictures, links, videos and audio files. Did you know ? Over 180 million have taken the opportunity to launch weblogs, 2 new blogs are created every second of every day.

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THE HISTORY OF WEB BLOGGING The earliest blogs were literally web logs, or a list of sites a particular author visited on any given day- that would be revised by changing the html code, and updating the file on a server. Now software has been developed to expedite the process and allow numerous people to collaborate Happily blogging today, doesnt require any knowledge of code or FTP- it takes as much skill as sending an email.

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WEBLOGS IN SCHOOLS Promote critical and analytical thinking. Can help students be a powerful promoter of creative, intuitive, and associational thinking. Promotes analogical thinking. Powerful medium for increasing access and exposure to quality information. Combine the best of solitary reflection, and social interaction Can enhance and deepen learning Can be used as class portal, online filing cabinets for student work, collaborative space, knowledge management,e-portfolios and school websites. Helps students build relationship with fellow peers teachers, mentors and professionals

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Student commentary on blogging.

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CLASS PORTAL Although some schools invest in expensive content management systems like blackboard, weblogs can accomplish almost as much at a lesser cost. For instructors, weblogs can be used to build a class portal, to communicate instruction for the class and archive class materials. It is a place for teachers to moderate course curriculum, syllabus,class rules assignments, rubrics, handouts and presentations. It also give parents platform for instructional collaboration

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ONLINE FILING CABINET/ E- PORTFOLIO Weblogs give student the opportunity to go paperless, by simply posting their work online They create a digital filing cabinet, where students and access their work. Having all of their work organized in one place makes it easier to keep track of work. Allows for student reflection. Work can be shared with others who might be interested in their work and progress.

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BLOG USAGE AMONGST VARIOUS SITES

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WEBLOGS AND COMMUNICATION Great for knowledge management and articulation. Great for committees/ groups that meet on a regular basis Share/ store information Can store document for easy access later on Can be use for lesson plans, activities and learning objects. Teachers no longer have to be in the same room to discuss what is, and isnt working in the classroom

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SCHOOL WEBSITES Weblogs can be used as a building block for a school website Can be easily updated Students, teachers, parents and community member will be better served by having up to date information Pedagogy of weblogs- blogs are truly a constructivist tool for learning They expand the walls of the classroom, and archive learning teachers/students do Supports different learning styles Enhances development in a particular subject Teach students literary elements they can use in a technological Society

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THE END Source: Blogs, wikis, Podcasts and other powerful tools for classrooms -Will Richardson