Increasing Student Blog Participation

Jeff MarlowImperial College30 August 2008

Barriers of time, expertise, and interest

What’s in it for me?

Two types of blog participation

1. Writing

2. Responding

1. WritingBenefits

Incentives

∙ Solidify knowledge through explanation

∙ Become a member of scientific community

∙ Develop the skill of communicating research

∙ Understand the state of your field

∙ Blogging for credit

∙ Competitions

2. Responding

∙ Ask clarification questions

∙ Develop relationships with potential

mentors / advisors

∙ Require quotations

∙ Tailor assignments

Benefits

Incentives

Benefits of access without the risks

∙ Bibliography litmus test

∙ Responsible use

∙ Incentivization

Challenges

Good and Bad Blog Use

Bad:

Mandatory course “online communities”

Expedition Blogs

Good: