Blogging in Education

Blogging is just one more technique where teachers can use technology to their advantage in the classroom. Teaching students how to create and maintain a blog has many advantages. It gives teachers and opportunity to teach online safety in a monitored setting. It is a good organizational tool for both students and teachers. It not only allows absent students to be present in the classroom, but also allows parents to have a glimpse into what is going on as well. It reduces the need for paper in the classroom, which reduces the risk of lost or destroyed homework. It presents the students with a setting where they can be comfortable; students who may not be prone to talking in the class may find their voice online. It provides a forum where students can discuss and colloborate and the teacher can comment directly on their work. It encourages students to read and write and gives them pride knowing that their work is actually being published and is viewable by anyone in the world. I have had a blog of my own for over five years and I know that it has played a substantial role in my own development as a writer. I am encouraged to write because I know that someone somewhere will read it.

Blogs don’t just help students either. Teachers can utilize blogging to communicate with each other as well. Successful education blogs are overflowing with great resources and suggestions; teachers from around the world are able to help each other out. They can share ideas, voice concerns, and address issues, all in simple and easily accessible manner. In a world where technology is so prominent, I think that teachers absolutely need to captilize on this tool.

There are hundreds of ways that blogs can be used effectively in the classroom: blogs to showcase poetry, to establish timelines, to host a book club, etc. For a great list of classroom blog ideas, click here or here!