Introduction to web-based learning

Communication is key. Whether it is in the classroom or via the internet communication ensures learning is taking place. Furthermore, blogs can be an essential tool for students learning as it allows teacher-student and student-student communication. By creating this open environment, it gives students opportunities to see how their peers think. As a teacher a blog allows educators to follow student progress and provides insight on how students are grasping content. Blogs more so, are not just a place of informal writing they are a place where students can ask questions, post interesting content related websites and videos, and share their own creations. By having a place inside your classroom that is slightly informal like blogs it will allow you as an educator for a safe space for students to express themselves and create a line of communication outside of the walls of a school.

Blogs can be used in many ways to enhance web-based learning. The idea of informal writing is an outlet for students to express themselves without feeling the intimation of grades. The idea of a safe public open space where discussion is important allows students to project their voices in a different fashion. This may be important for students who are not always the most vocal inside the classroom. More so, students are able to have insight into other thoughts which is vital to discussion. Thus, in the context of my teacher partner in social studies a blog is a perfect place to stimulate debate and discussion in a safe space. By posting an image and having students write a paragraph on its relation to class content it will allow for communication between students. Prompts like this will allow for commentary and discussion and allow students to virtually keep up with each other by providing useful feedback.

Blogs can also be a place not only for students but parents as well. By posting due dates, project outlines, and readings parents can keep up to date with their kids schooling with a click of a button. It can act as a more informal D2L and I would recommend to other teachers when creating their blog having a parent section where inquiries about scoping questions on assignments that all parents could benefit from could be answered. Blogs are also a great instrument for students who are on vacation or who are sick can keep up to date on ongoing workload at school. In a final note, blogs are also a place where we can teach students about the importance of online safety and practice. By having them engage in online activity what they write down it like what they say out-loud in our classrooms we as teachers must make sure they are being respectful and ensuring a good digital footprint.

Signing off,

Mr. Gyles.

---

Resources

Young P., Gyeong M. H, & Romee L. (2011). Blogging for Informal Learning: Analyzing Bloggers’ Perceptions Using Learning Perspective. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 14(2), 149-160. Retrieved from www.jstor.org/stable/jeductechsoci.14.2.149

Colwell, J. (2012). Using a Collaborative Blog Project to Introduce Disciplinary Literacy Strategies in Social Studies Pre-Service Teacher Education. Journal of School Connections, Vol. 4, No. 1, 25-52. Retrieved from [PDF] academia.edu

Wang, S., & Hsua, H. (2008). Reflections on using blogs to expand in-class discussion. Trends: Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning, 52(3), 81-85. Retrieved from http://uhvnur6313.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/51610928/Reflections%20on%20Using%20Blogs%20to%20Expand%20In-Class%20Discussion.pdf