How would a Blog be useful in your teaching context?

A Blog is a website, usually maintained by someone who updates with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or graphics, videos, etc. This website obtains the ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive form of communication. This concept would be rather useful with teaching, as Learning Managers can post an idea or a concept relative to an area currently being studied. Then they are able to track understanding of students who reply with statements and input towards the original blog.

This is a great tool for enforcing collaborate learning within a school environment. Students would build relationships by participating in discussions with one another. Numerous researchers have found that students work more effectively and have a higher understanding of material when taught in a collaborative environment (Brady, 2006). Using a Blog in any teaching context would also enable cognitive learning which once again would benefit the learners.

Prensky (2005) claims that “if you cannot engage young people in education then you will enrage them”. What is more engaging to a young person then using the internet to discuss things with other young people? With technology vastly becoming a vital aspect of life, it is essential that students are given the opportunity to learn about computers and the internet and are taught how to use these resources effectively. By using a Blog in a teaching context, you would accomplish a valuable and productive way of learning.

References

Brady, L. (2006). Collaborative Learing in Action. Frenchs Forest: Pearson Education Australia.

Prensky, M. (n.d.). Engage me or Engrage me. Retrieved 11 3, 2010, from http://www.speedofcreativity.org/2008/02/28/engage-me-or-enrage-me-educating-todays-digital-native-learners-2/