The Educational Value of Blogs

What do you see as the educational value of blogs in the classroom and outside of the classroom, and how can blogs be integrated into K-12 classrooms?

Blogs can serve several purposes in a classroom. Used as a teaching tool, blogs can provide students a way to interact with other students and/or classes in a safe, controlled environment. They can help students build writing and critical-thinking skills by giving them practice in organizing and conveying their thoughts. In addition, blogging allows students to learn about subjects from experts in a particular field. Used by teachers, blogs offer a way for students to stay connected to their classes if they miss school or just need to know what the homework assignment is. They can also allow students to see a different side of their teachers and get some insight into their personalities, as well as discovering additional information about the content covered in their classes.

Outside of the classroom, blogs are an excellent way for people with similar interests or professions to share information, regardless of the physical distance between them. For instance, authors can use blogs to communicate with their readers and business experts can share ideas, processes, and technological discoveries. On a more personal level, blogs can be a way for families and friends to stay connected, and to communicate with each other in a written format that’s completely different from snail mail and email. Blogs allow you to post pictures, links, likes and dislikes, and to reveal as much or as little of yourself as you want.

Blogs can be integrated into the classroom in many different ways. Classes can set up their own blogs and each student can be assigned a period of time to keep it updated with new content learned. Students can create blogs as a way of communicating with other students, both across the country and across the world. In addition, blogs can be part of a group project where members each have a component of the blog that they’re responsible for creating and building. Older students can use blogs to interact with experts in certain fields, and even to help them determine possible career choices. For younger students, teachers can create links on their blogs that can be a source of educational games and activities. These activities can help students to build skills during non-school time.