Journal 9: Avoiding the 5 Most Common Mistakes in Using Blogs with Students

Reynard, Ph.D., Ruth (10/15/2008). Avoiding the 4 most common mistakes in using blogs with students. T.H.E. Journal, Retrieved 1/6/2009, from http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23434_1

In her article “Avoiding the 5 Most Common Mistakes in Using Blogs with Students,” Dr. Ruth Reynard discusses her five year history of utilizing blogs as part of her coursework. The aim of the article is to guide teachers who would like to use blogs as a way of learning, and help them to avoid the most common mistakes that she has come across. The first mistake that the author discusses is “ineffective contextualization,” or failing to make the students understand the benefit in using blogs in the classroom. She advises using blogs as a self-reflection tool, and therefore students must be prepared and taught how to reflect before beginning a blog. The second mistake is “unclear learning outcomes.” Teachers should focus on the overall outcome of the course for each individual student before deciding to use any particular tools in the classroom. The third common mistake is when teachers try to use the blog for something other than what it is. It is an individual publication, not a discussion forum, and should be utilized as such. Another mistake made when using blogs in the classroom is similar to problems with other tools and assessments: students are not given a clear rubric for the grading process. The last mistake that the author discusses is not allocating proper time for students to complete the blogging projects. As in any other assignment, students should be given a flexible amount of time to complete projects that will be graded.

Question 1: How can I expect all of my students to have the facilities to blog?
The author does not make any mention of how she expects students to have access to the internet and blogging sites. Many students in primary school do not have access to the internet or even a computer outside of school. In order to utilize this tool with my students, I would have to allow for time out of class in the computer lab, or have ready access for students inside the classroom.

Question 2: Would creating a class wiki be more productive since it would facilitate open communication amongst all students?
There is a place for both tools in the classroom. The blog should be used for journaling and self-reflection only, not as a means of open communication amongst the students. If the teacher would like to facilitate a more open forum for discussion of class topics, a wiki or some other forum would be more useful.