Read One

Blogging can provide an array of advantages for enhancing student learning in the classroom. In comparison to writing blogging helps reduce plagarism and limits the number of copyright violations. Students can moreso be held accountable for upholding these types of internet ethics due to having to hyperlink sources for viewers. It also opens the door for more personal in depth individual and group discussions for learners. I believe that weblogs can also promote the writer's craft of developing a "voice".
Simply put weblogs are reflections of individuals' opinions. They can generate creativity and healthy dialogues amongst peers and blog viewers. Learners will read, analyze, and evaluate the reflections and opinions of others. Through bolgs teachers can reach the "inactive participants" in class. Not every student feels comfortable reading a report in fron of the class, but how many of them would leap at posting a blog on the web? As we know students learn in a myraid of ways. As educators it is our duty to reach the verbally linguistic and intrapersonal learners as well as the mathmatically and kinesthetically intelligent students.
Like any other new program introduced in the school system participants must "buy in" for it to work. Blogging in my opinion will attract younger audiences due to their familiarity with technology. This non-traditional approach of instruction and learning would appeal to middle and high schoolers, but would it appeal to teachers who view integrating technology as pulling down a screen and turning on the overhead projector? The gap between users and nonusers will only widen if both parties fail to unite. I admit, I too was a nonuser. How did I "see the light"? By a student conference. While trying to encourage a student to "participate" in class he encouraged me to incorporate technology. I agreed that if he asked 2 questions per day I would include technology in my teachings twice daily. Needless to say I have become somewhat "tech savvy" and he has become a talker.
Weblogs can provide alternatives and or enrichments to any of the following activities: writing journal, reading response journals, letter writing, literature circles,and responding to the the question/word of the day. In addition weblogs can assist with classroom management by acting as a reminder of classroom social contract and outlets for positive reinforcement.