I've done some research into how blogs can be a tool for teachers to use in their classrooms. There are a lot of people who are skeptical as to its usefulness, and actually consider it to be an untrustworthy source of information. I happen to disagree. Blogs create a unique form of communication that allows for a better exchange of ideas and information while creating innovative opportunities. Allthingslearning had a guest blogger discussing "Why [are] academics (still) not blogging?" It made some great points on how through a blog you are reaching a greater audience then just those within your class, profession, or area. That farther reach leads to an exchange and deeper develop of ideas. As Lawrence Raw put it: "Readers do not have to spend time searching for articles in obscure journals, or browsing sites such as JSTOR for material; it is available to everyone, irrespective of their disciplinary specialism." Typically if someone is learning they don't know what the answers are or even where to find them. Blogs are an excellent way for immediate answers, which is exactly what students need. If they need further knowledge or resources a blog is a great jumping off point to find material.
In this video they asked 10-11 years old students why they liked using blogs in school. (Sorry you'll just have to link to it, since Blogger can't seem to find the video any other way.)
Why should schools blog?
Another great reason for using blogs in academia is the writing. Using a blog you have to get your information out within the first couple paragraphs or no one is going to read it. This forces the writer to get directly to the point, instead of the flowery and stiff writing of formatted papers. Hugh McQuire discusses how blogging will improve student's writing. I love his statement that blogging allows students to write what they actually mean. It gives that freedom to use jargon and current phrases that may help you get your point across instead of needing to sound smart. The other two points he brings up that I hadn't thought of before are that Links work better than footnotes, and some of your ideas are dumb. Links are much faster to check and refer to than footnotes. Similar with what I have done in this post you will be able to find the exact articles I refer to in an instant for your perusal instead of having to try and look up the information on your own. Secondly, a blog allows you to discuss things so that if you don't fully understand something or think that you do there is, again, that immediate feedback. You will know in what direction to continue.
For my study abroad classes I was required to keep a blog every day with at least 5 pictures. I thought it was an excellent idea because I was not only letting my family know how my European trip was going but I was also carefully dictating what I was learning. I now have the ability to go back to it to reference places and architecture, as well as share my experiences with others. I know of people who looked at my blog for inspiration on where to visit for their planned Europe trips. Also, those who don't get the chance to visit the places that I do get to live vicariously through my experiences and still learn about the world around them. Blogs such as Seomra Ranga provide others with ideas and the actual materials that they might be looking for and don't know how else to get a hold of. Through my learning experiences in Europe others were able to learn about new places, obtain pictures, learn historical accounts, background stories, and discuss architecture and design. They were able to do all of that in an informal setting which allows them the freedom to get what they really want out of the experience.
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