Blackboard training - An introduction to blogs

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An introduction to Blogs


“The experience of collective knowledge generation can and should be applied to traditional educational environments”

Times are changing ...


Times are changing …

“Traditional” educational environments were

different back in the days when

blackberries and apples were still fruit!


Blackberry and Apple then ...


Blackberry and Apple now ...


What is a blog?

A "blog“ is:•an abbreviation for WEBLOG

•a form of micro-publishing

•a web-based journal in which people can publish their thoughts

and opinions on the Internet

Visit: www.howtostartablog.com

Use one of the free blog publishing tools available online: e.g. wordpress and blogger


How to start your own blog

http://www.howtostartablog.com/


The benefits of blogging include …

•Interactive communication between all the role players•Resource and opinion sharing •Opportunities for collaboration and reflection•Promoting critical reasoning skills•Assistance in building learning communities


Blogging versus other tools

Why should I utilize a blog when my traditional

computer-mediated communication educational tool

(such as myTUTor) is in place?


Blogging versus other tools

Kim suggested a model for the use of blogs in educational context

by taking into account the socio-technical systems theory.

This model contributes to the following:

1. Interactivity

2. An open system

3. A visualization tool

4. A decentralized environment of online communication

Blogs can overcome the following CMC system

limitations by providing an environment for the

Following (Kim):

1. Diminished ‘lurking’ / lack of posting

2. A sense of ownership

3. Decentralized system where bloggers control the

structure of their individual entries

4. Chronological and category based archiving possible

5. Easy to publish and easy to access attributes makes it more user friendly


Why blogging is recommended


Incorporating valid assessment in blogging

Cynthia James suggests a rubric emphasizing the 3 R’s:

Relevance

Research

Reflection (evidence of critical thinking)


An example of using a blog in education

2nd year learners in Bio-ethics in Medicine are introduced to a

Public Health Ethics Framework as part of an in-class learning

experience

Students are expected to apply the Public Health Ethics

Framework in small groups with self-chosen ‘projects’ on campus

out-of-class

The students projects are posted on the blog together with other

relevant discussions that reflect on social accountability


An example of using a blog in education

The out-of-class activities are followed up with in-class learner

presentations and reflection

Learner feedback is very positive

Students not only develop logical and critical reasoning and

Knowledge on the topic, but also discover how to learn and use

e-learning in a fun, interactive manner, while becoming change

agents for their own communities


Benefits of using an online blog

Oravec on the use of a blog as a tool for deeper learning:

•An online journal encourages personal reflection•Stimulates collaboration through resource sharing (through links)•Provides up to date information•Empowers the learner through having their ‘unique voices’ heard•Encourages critical, analytical thinking


Conclusion

“Blogs have many pedagogical and technological aspects

that make them suitable tools for lifelong learning”

(Cameron & Anderson)

Education

Blackboard training - An introduction to blogs