BP2_2010021_EduUses4Blogs

Educational Uses for Blogs

Blogging provides interactivity that converts the predominant one-way street of web pages into a two-way conversation between individuals and the world. The prospects of the use of blogs in education are increasing considerably in the wide world of Web 2.0. Now instructors and students can continue the discussion outside of the classroom, and easily amend it with media rich links to content from around the world. Blogs provide the feeling of conversation through the use of comments on blog posts, and give the blog writer almost instantaneous feedback on their thoughts and ideas, further engaging the learning process (Flierl, R., & Fowler, H. 2007). The possibilities are vast for this type of technology in the classroom, but Peter Duffy and Dr. Axel Bruns (2006) outline a list of some of the possible uses for blogs in education:

Within a personal academic perspective a blog can support:
• reflection on teaching experiences
• categorized descriptions of resources and methodologies for teaching
• ramblings regarding professional challenges and teaching tips for other academics
• illustration of specific technology-related tips for other colleagues.

Within an organizational perspective a blog can support:
• a common online presence for unit-related information such as calendars, events, assignments and resources
• an online area for students to post contact details and queries relating to assessment.

Within a pedagogical perspective a blog can support:
• comments based on literature readings and student responses
• a collaborative space for students to act as reviewers for course-related materials
• images and reflections related to industry placement
• an online gallery space for review of works, writings, etc. in progress, making use especially of the commenting feature
• teachers encouraging reactions, reflections and ideas by commenting on their students’ blogs
• development of a student portfolio of work.

As we move into new, faster, and higher throughput realms of interconnectedness, I feel that blogging will become so much more of a powerful tool for education. Sites like Google have already begun tapping into this vast ocean, by bringing together many powerful tools that are interlinked and accessible through one set of credentials. I can’t see the shoreline, but I am grabbing my surfboard and am going to see where this wave takes us.


Duffy, P., & Bruns, A. (2006). The Use of Blogs, Wikis and RSS in Education: A Conversation of
Possibilities. Online Learning and Teaching Conference 2006, 26 Sep. 2006, Brisbane. Retrieved February 6, 2010, from http://eprints.qut.edu.au/5398/

Flierl, R., & Fowler, H. (2007). Educational Uses of Blogs and Wikis. Phi Delta Kappan, 89(3),
C3. Retrieved February 6, 2010, from Academic Search Premier database.