Is blogging an effective learning tool?

Is blogging an effective learning tool?

Studies show that blogging has proven to be a very effective learning tool. “One of the benefits of blogging is that it is public, and we are more attentive to the quality of our work when it is public than if it is just viewed by one other person.” Blogs create an environment where students are more aware of their work, and more dedicated to competing assignments properly. The publicity of blogs subconsciously guides students to exert more effort in their assignments.

Also, “Discussions in weblogs promote higher levels of thinking, because people can think before answering back.” The weblog format is different from the classroom, because time for reflection is able to be incorporated into the student’s thought process. When questions are asked in class students are expected to raise their hands and have an answer immediately. When questions are asked in a weblog students are able to digest the information and consider all of his or her options before being forced to cough up a response. The latter has more potential to generate more informed and appropriate answers.

Finally, “Because of its format similar to that of a personal diary, weblogs encourage informal communication, creativity and self-expression.” A student can take creative liberties while writing in a blog. Students have to find their own voice and mold an opinion into a response that is unique. Blogs create a more laid back atmosphere and that is why self-expression may come easier for the majority of students when compared to immediate verbal responses in a classroom. This is especially notable when comparing more extroverted students to introverted students. A blog allows both to shine without creating a stigma of embarrassment or inability to formulate an opinion right away. In summary, blogging seems to be an effective learning tool by improving quality of work, encouraging deeper thinking, and promoting greater levels of originality.

http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/effective-teaching-strategies/blogging-to-improve-student-learning-tips-and-tools-for-getting-started/

http://desarrolloweb.dlsi.ua.es/blogs/use-of-weblogs-in-higher-education-benefits-and-barriers