Blogs are simply web logs. Think of them as online journals, diaries, or interactive logs. They can be used to record everything from science labs to poetry. Blog may contain text, graphics, photos, audio, video, and other elements. Blogs are normally run by a single author who writes and posts the entries. The blog author may open their blog to comments from members of a group, registered participants, or anyone.

Blog Characteristics

Although blog software can be used in many ways, the following features can generally be found:

• Web-based journal, log, diary
• Single author
• Short entries or postings
• Links to documents, websites, additional information
• Opportunity for commenting on entries
• Hierarchical structure; generally reverse chronological organization
• Generally public, but sometimes password accessed
• Sometimes contain graphics, audio, or video
• Entries are archived and often categorized
• Entries have permalinks
• RSS, aggregation, and permalinks allow quick and easy access

Although many blogs encourage comments, they aren't set up for discussions like group forums and threaded discussions.

Read What are the Differences Between Message Boards and Weblogs? by Lee Lefever.

Blog Popularity

Blogs provide an engaging environment for teaching and learning. Explore reasons for their popularity.

• Free or low cost with upgrades
• Easy entry, unlimited high-end options with upgrades
• Ease to set-up and create using templates
• No special software or skilled required
• Available anywhere, anytime
• Simple to post new entries or make comments
• Automatic archiving
• No technology maintenance or issues

Teacher Popularity

• Easy for teacher to provide written feedback
• Much easier for students and teachers to maintain than web pages
• Time stamps show when students made entries
• Multiple blogs for many purposes
• Students have ownership and access beyond the school setting
• Student enjoy the writing experience
• Students don't get lost in the "glitz" of the technology
• Teachers can add password protection and membership restrictions as needed
• Communication with the community and parents is essential, blogs are the tool
• Extends learning beyond the period or school day (i.e., guest e-speakers, questions and answers)

Pros and Cons of Blogs in Teaching and Learning

Before jumping into the development of blogs, explore the pros and cons of using blogs in teaching and learning.

Reasons NOT to Blog

• Lack of technology inside and outside classroom
• Lack of typing skills
• Whine, whine, whine some more ...

A Dozen Reasons to Blog in Teaching and Learning

• Authentic learning experiences
• Easy to create and monitor
• Motivate and engage learners
• Differentiate instruction
• Promote writing
• Instant feedback
• Peer interaction
• Connect with parents
• Archive student work
• Promote literacy skills
• Actively involvement by all students
• Learn anytime, anywhere

Evidence of Blog Effectiveness

Are blogs a good idea? Who says? Since blogs are so new, there's not much research on their effectiveness. However you'll find many connections to existing research and informal observations.

• 10 Reasons Why Blogging Might be Good for You
• Blogs in Higher Ed by Ruth Reynard
• Blog Research and Reflection - nice bibliography
• I did good from hipteacher
• Pew/Internet Report on Online Activities
• Pew/Internet Report on State of Blogging
• Websites that focus on blog information research
  • Weblog Kitchen

---