Blogging: Sounds like an effective means of collaboration, right?

Blogging sounds like an easy solution to getting students to collaboration in the classroom, however there are important considerations that need to be made before implementation. According to Julie Strugeon, in the acticle, Five Don’ts of Classroom Blogging, there are important facts that need to be remembered when planning to implement blogging into any classroom. Strugeon says that to implement a successful and collaborative blogging community, a teacher must predetermine possible troubles that might occur. In thinking ahead, she suggests the following five, “Don’t Do’s.”

1. Don’t just dive in-Make sure to prepare students for blogging. This means setting rules and procedures and modeling how to blog.

2. Don’t confuse blogging with social networking-remind students that blogging in the classroom is not about socializing. The point of blogging is to support one another and provide suggestions.

3. Don’t leap at the freebees-Educators need to be cautious of free blogging websites. These are filled with advertisements and opportunities for students to visit other blogs outside the classroom. Strugeon suggests a site like (http://www.classblogmeister.com/). These allow the creator to set limitations.

4. Don’t force a sequential style-Make sure to give students a focus on topic rather than time. It is important for the instructor to know what they are trying to teach through the use of a blog.

5. Don’t leave the blogging to the students-Become a part of the blogging community. Provide feedback and compliments on students. Strugeon says that it will encourage students, just like verbal classroom feedback does.

By keeping these Don'ts in mind when implementing a classroom blogging community, a teacher can successfully promote collaboration and excitement among students. Strugeon concludes her article with one DO when blogging. She says, “DO recognize what blogging can do for your students. And that is to help them become better writers.”

Brittany

Sturgeon, J. (2008). Five Don'ts of Classroom Blogging. T H E Journal, 35(2), 26-30. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database.