Blogs provide opportunities for people to publish their thoughts, opinions and feelings in an online environment.
Deng & Yuen, 2011
Theory Behind Blogging
The theoretical foundation of blogging is from social constructivist learning. In a social constructivist learning environment, instructors "need to create a student-centered learning experience in which students are required to develop their own knowledge because it is believed that they can learn better when they discover concepts by interacting and collaborating among themselves rather than when they are given by the instructor" (Abdul & Tasir, 2020).
When students write blog posts, they become reflective practitioners. Reflection can be used as an alternative assessment tools, as it encourages students to reflect on their learning and put the pieces together. Students have the ability to personalize their learning and keep journals to be actively involved in their own learning.
Students have the ability to collaborate through peer review and comments on each others blog posts. Their peers can comment with their own thoughts and opinions and allow for growth of both students. As a result of peer collaboration through blogging, "the online learners can improve their own understanding and gain a fresh perspective" (Pappas, 2021).
When students write blog posts, they become reflective practitioners. Reflection can be used as an alternative assessment tools, as it encourages students to reflect on their learning and put the pieces together. Students have the ability to personalize their learning and keep journals to be actively involved in their own learning.
Students have the ability to collaborate through peer review and comments on each others blog posts. Their peers can comment with their own thoughts and opinions and allow for growth of both students. As a result of peer collaboration through blogging, "the online learners can improve their own understanding and gain a fresh perspective" (Pappas, 2021).
How to Incorporate Blogging
Things to consider when incorporating blogging into an e-learning environment
Set the Ground Rules
Your students should know blogs should be original, well-crafted, and well-informed. Students should be aware of "netiquette" and have guidelines or rubrics to follow.
Encourage Online Discussion
Peer feedback helps students become more involved in the learning process. They can comment on each other's posts, add insight, provide feedback, and address concerns.
One at a Time
Focus on one topic at a time to prevent cognitive overload. Students can do a deep dive on one topic or can refer to the teacher's blog to read about one topic.
Offer Feedback
Feedback on student blogs should be timely and constructive. Allow for revisions after providing student feedback.
Your students should know blogs should be original, well-crafted, and well-informed. Students should be aware of "netiquette" and have guidelines or rubrics to follow.
Encourage Online Discussion
Peer feedback helps students become more involved in the learning process. They can comment on each other's posts, add insight, provide feedback, and address concerns.
One at a Time
Focus on one topic at a time to prevent cognitive overload. Students can do a deep dive on one topic or can refer to the teacher's blog to read about one topic.
Offer Feedback
Feedback on student blogs should be timely and constructive. Allow for revisions after providing student feedback.
References
Abdul Kadir, N. I., & Tasir, Z. (2020). Students’ Perceptions and Information-Sharing Patterns in Learning Authoring System Course through Blogging. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 15(19), 187–199. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v15i19.10950
Deng, L., & Yuen, A. H. K. (2011). Towards a framework for educational affordances of blogs. Computer & Education, 56, 441-451.
Pappas, C. (2021, May 12). 8 ways to encourage online learner reflection in elearning. eLearning Industry. Retrieved November 14, 2022, from https://elearningindustry.com/ways-encourage-online-learner-reflection-elearning
Abdul Kadir, N. I., & Tasir, Z. (2020). Students’ Perceptions and Information-Sharing Patterns in Learning Authoring System Course through Blogging. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 15(19), 187–199. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v15i19.10950
Deng, L., & Yuen, A. H. K. (2011). Towards a framework for educational affordances of blogs. Computer & Education, 56, 441-451.
Pappas, C. (2021, May 12). 8 ways to encourage online learner reflection in elearning. eLearning Industry. Retrieved November 14, 2022, from https://elearningindustry.com/ways-encourage-online-learner-reflection-elearning