I organised my blog as part of Module 2, and look forward to using it as part of the preparation for and ongoing discussion of the ULearn conference, as well as this course.
I first used a blog with a Year 10 English class in 2007. The students and I enjoyed it and found it quite valuable. Based on that experience, I think that blogs as a learning tool can be successful if there is some structure around the nature and number of the entries expected. Similar to what has been set up here in the Web 2.0 course. I also found it useful to encourage students to ask questions of each other.
Currently at SCCVC, I have tried to have students use blogs, but so far to more limited success. I think what is needed is more consistent reference to them, and greater purpose for their use communicated by me to the students. Students also need to be challenged and encouraged to move beyond the 'me' focus which I think is characteristic of their use/ experience of Web 2.0. It's an age and stage thing too - they need to be helped to feel more confident in and motivated to discuss things which are 'beyond them' and perhaps relatively abstract. To share and discuss ideas, in other words.
Until next time................
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