Thoughts on using blogs as a learning tool:
A blog is a website that allows users to reflect, share opinions, and discuss various topics in the form of an online journal while readers may comment on posts. When utilized as an online educational journals for learners, the instructor may choose to enable uploading and linking files to enhance the blog content. It is a great tool for instructors to use when creating a course blog as a basic blog does not require knowledge of HMTL. Blogs are relatively easy to create by visiting free hosting site such as Blogger.com. There are many starter templates available and the environment can be effectively customized by adding/arranging page elements. I was able to create a table of the pros and cons of using educational blogs (below), scan the image as a .png image and then insert it effortlessly into this blog content. Blog publishing empowers students to write for learners beyond classmates and elevates critical and analytical thinking processes. Blogs especially serve as excellent environments for project-based learning. I would definitely use a blogs as a learning tool as I prefer the idea of journal like posts as opposed to the wiki setting where information is not as controlled due to the ability to freely edit another person's posted material. I would rather give feedback to someone's opinion than take the liberty of altering their added information.
References
Godwin-Jones, R. (2003). Language learning and technology: emerging technologies. Retrieved August 15, 2011 from: http://cursa.ihmc.us/rid=1131480053328_1801720929_4296/godwin.pdf.
Starbuck, E. & Orlowski, M. (2008). Blogs & Wikis: New Education Tools? Retrieved online August 15, 2011 from: http://meblog.pbworks.com/w/page/11074182/Blog%20Pros%20and%20Cons.
