Blog #2

Shiang-Kwei Wang and Hui-Yin Hsua Reflections on Using Blogs to Expand In-class Discussion. TechTrends v. 52 no. 3 (June 2008) p. 81-5. Retrieved June 11, 2010 from
http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com.libproxy.chapman.edu/hww/results/getResults.jhtml?_DARGS=/hww/advancedsearch/advanced_search.jhtml.4

In this research, researchers at New York Institute of Technology examined the use of blogs as an interactive tool to expand classroom discussions. The author discussed several advantages for blogs over other discussion tools such as blackboard. One of the features that distinguish blogs is its accessibility to students after the end of the class.

Using blogs allow students to write to other readers from another class or another school. Unlike classroom discussion, blogs allow participants to think thoroughly before they respond. “Knowing that their writing is available to the public, students might have stronger motivation to write well so that the quality of their writing might shine” (Gary, 2003; Repman, Zinskie, & Carlson, 2005, as cited in Wang, 2008, P.2).Another interesting point about blogs is the fact that every participant has equal opportunity to freely express him/herself without being dominated by few participants as what usually happens during normal classroom discussions.

Because there is a down side for everything, the researcher pointed out some of negative aspects for using blogs such as unfamiliarity to some students or the amount of time needed to read, think, and respond which considered extra load of homework from students point of view. In addition to the fear of expressing strong opinions because blogs are accessible to the public.

I believe that good preparation for teachers and students and clear instructions could make blogs very successful in motivating students to participate effectively regardless of any differences among them.