Ruth Reynard's article on the Campus Technology website provides helpful guidelines for properly directing the use of blogs within a course. The article details the following pitfalls: 1.Ineffective contextualization, 2.Unclear learning outcomes, 3.Misuse of the environment, 4.Illusive grading practices, and 5. Inadequate time allocation.
Type of Material:
Reference material
Recommended Uses:
This article can be used by educators, students, and professionals both in and out of the class
Technical Requirements:
Basic browser and internet connection
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Using blogging appropriately in class with students.
Getting students to understand the difference between wikis, blogs, and other forms of media.
Using blogs for reflection.
Target Student Population:
The target student population:Grade School, Middle School, High School, College General Ed, College Lower Division, College Upper Division, Graduate School, Professional
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Basic Computer and internet
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
Clear explanations how to use and not use blogs; clear discussion of good and bad blog assignments in class.
Concerns:
Add more links and case studies to the article. The additional references would help; the five mistakes are clearly identified and it is still a very useful classical discussion.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
As a teaching tool this resource is effective, The concepts are well laid out, there is good structure in the outline of the information. It is a well structured article
The article is very clear; the mistakes are very well explained by the author.
The mistakes aren't just listed; they are described in depth and the analysis is heplful. It's good guide for faculty and anyone intending to use blogging with students.
Concerns:
Offer a checklist and, perhaps, even what tools are available for blogging.
Discuss specific case studies of examplary blog/reflection use with students.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
It's a very clear article with specific analysis. It's useful as a part of a toolbox for instructors. There's a clear guidance on how to plan blogging assignments.
Concerns:
Please expand by offering more resources.
Creative Commons:
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