Week 2- 7 things you should know about… Blogs

Today millions of people are using blogs to share their stories and passions with the world. “Estimates suggest as many as 50 million people are now blogging (www.educause.edu/library/resources/7-things-you-should-know-about-blogs,2014).” It seems that the use of blogs is a way to bring innovative uses of technology into the classroom. The great thing about blogs is that they are straight forward and easy to use. It gives students a voice and the power to be heard on the web to include “knowledge sharing, reflection, and debate, they often attract a large and dedicated readership” (www.educause.edu/library/resources/7-things-you-should-know-about-blogs,2014) It also serves as a collaboration tool within the classroom amongst peers. 

 

On the other hand, blogs can include a lot of fictional and biased information. This can be challenging when it comes to using blogs within the classroom. Students may often take the information as the source of truth, when in fact the information is completely inaccurate. It is also important to keep students respectful of the intellectual property. All information included within the blog must be properly cited. Teachers should always make sure that students have a clear understanding of the proper uses of copyright laws.

“Put into practice with an understanding of their benefits and limitations blogs are increasingly accepted, blogs are an increasingly accepted instructional technology tool” When incorporated effectively into the classroom, it can be seen as a new opportunity for student exploration.

7 Things You Should Know About Blogs | EDUCAUSE.edu. (2014, January 1). . Retrieved May 19, 2014, from http://www.educause.edu/library/resources/7-things-you-should-know-about-blogs.