Nowadays, our lives had changed due to the arrival of internet, cell phones and computers. These devices are part of our lives and we use them all the time, but what we have not realize is that technology can contribute to many different kinds of activities, not only leisure, but also for study. Learning does not take place only in classrooms anymore and the technology is turning into an important part in our educational system.
Having this in mind, there are hundreds of applications which can be used in order to improve learners’ skills. One of the most well-known are Kahoot, Plickers, Duolingo, Google Docs, among others. However one of the technologies which I liked the most and that can provide several benefits inside and outside the classroom is blogging. According to this, Oliver (2016) defines blog as a “social media tool that allows one to share ideas with authentic audiences and to engage those audiences in conversation. Most blogs look something like journals, with a series of “posts” appearing on the blog in reverse chronological order” (p.1). Moreover, this tool can be used individually or collectively and the members can talk or discuss any topic they want, there is no restriction.
Although it is commonly believed that the use of technology inside the classroom might be not taken seriously, it is evident that the advantages of blogging for educative purposes are diverse. As far as I am concerned, the implementation of blogs in classrooms is completely beneficial, not only for students, but also for teachers. In my experience, using a blog during this semester let me improve my writing skill, due to the constant materials that I had to produce every week, including descriptions, opinions and reflections. Furthermore, blogging exposed me to more diverse viewpoint when I had to comment my classmates’ blogs, increasing my commitment to writing and thinking.
Apart from what I mentioned before, there are some authors who support the usefulness of a blog inside the classroom. In this way, Roth (2008) explains that blogging “enables students to interact with assignments in ways they would not be able to on a closed discussion board, traditional paper or in-class discussions” (p. 2). On the other hand, Oliver (2016) indicates that “the capacity of blogs to support multiple forms of media (images, videos, links, and so on) can help students bring creativity to their communication” (p. 1). Lastly, Brescia & Miller (2006) point out that “unlike the face-to-face small group discussion where students have to respond immediately, the blog allows for time to synthesize information and develop personal approaches or responses to material” (p. 50).
Personally, as a prospective teacher, I would definitely use blogs in my classes, and I would apply it in my current practicum due to their context. I am doing my practicum in an eighth-grade level, in the Colegio Pablo Neruda in Valparaíso, which is a public school. They are 18 students and their level of English is basic. Due to this, most of the students feel frustrated when they have to express an idea, opinion or comment in English.
According to this, students will feel free while writing their opinions, comments, and reflections, because they will have plenty of time, and also they could look up for any word they do not know. In addition, they will be improving their writing skills and their critical thinking unconsciously. It is important to mention that the use of blogs will not only be beneficial for those students who cannot express their ideas in English, but also for those who are shyer and struggle every class in order to speak in front of the class.
During the semester, I have noticed that they do not feel frustrated or disappointed because they do not have a clear opinion about a specific topic or because they have not developed their critical thinking. They have this attitude because they feel pressed to answer a question in English. According to this, the implementation of the blogs in the classroom would help students to deal with this issue.
In this way, I would change only the last section of my classes. At the beginning of the class, I would present the new vocabulary or make a review of the last class as always. Then, they would do some activity in relation to the new content. However, at the end of the class instead of asking them their opinions and reflections about the content, I would ask them to write it in their blogs.
As a conclusion, I can say that blogging should be part of the curriculum due to the benefits and advantages mentioned before. If the Ministry of Education incorporates this in the classroom more participatory and interactive classes would be evinced. In addition, good results in terms of writing would be seen. As was mentioned before, blogging improves content, word choice, style and language mechanics in learners.
Lastly, I think that as society we should all change our minds in order to stop thinking that technology must not be used in the classroom. This is a stereotype that should be erased from people’s thought. Students can learn more and better when using phones, computers, applications and blogs, as long as it is implemented in the right way.
References:
- Brescia, W., & Miller, M. T. (2006). What’s it worth? The perceived benefits of instructional blogging. Electronic Journal for the Integration of Technology in Education, 5(1), 44-52.
- Oliver, J., (2006) & Class, I. What is a blog?.
- Roth, J. (2008). Blogging in the classroom: Technology, feminist pedagogy, and participatory learning. Atlantis: Critical Studies in Gender, Culture & Social Justice, 32(2), 80-91.
