A blog, which comes from the words ‘web log’, is a website controlled by an individual that is regularly updated with new entries. These entries can relate to a particular topic or act as a personal diary. Each entry can contain texts, videos, images and links to other blogs or web pages. After each blog, a reader has the ability to leave a comment, making this an interactive medium. Warlick (2005, p. 8) states “A blog is an interactive web page most often used as a way to publish regular writings on a variety of issues and with a variety of goals. The term blog is a shortening of Web Log. It is sometimes referred to as a weblog.”
Using blogs in a classroom setting can be a very useful tool for students as this allows them to think deeper about their thoughts, to see how other people think about certain topics and give them a different perspective on issues. Giving students access to the posting of a blog via the internet opens the world to students in ways like never before. It also assists in the e-learning for students, their understanding of various information sources and assists in their development of their grammatical skills. Warlick (2005, p. 20) states “In 1999, Blogger and Pitas launched free web sites that enabled anyone to establish a weblog account and start their own weblog pages, simply by filling in web forms.” Although this technology has only been available in the last decade or so, it is becoming a very useful tool in the classroom environment.
Reference List
Warlick, D. (2005). Classroom Blogging. The Landmark Project. North Carolina: Raleigh.
