Tools in Connected Learning

Connected Learning: Blogs Within the Classroom

Recently I read all about using tools in connected learning. As a future educator, there is such importance when it comes to using online tools both inside and outside of the classroom. These tools offer benefits to both teachers and students in a variety of ways. Within this posting specifically, I am going to focus on how blogs help students and teachers engage with each other, promote critical thinking, and build a community.

To promote student engagement within the classroom, blogs provide a platform for students where they can share their thoughts, and ideas with others. By using blogs while teaching, teachers enable students to participate in learning. Furthermore, writing and posting blog posts doesn’t only develop their writing skills but also makes them feel that they own the learning process. Through these real-time channels, feedback and discussions are guaranteed and create a sense of collaboration among students.
In relation to connected learning, blogs help promote the critical thinking skills of students. Whenever students are assigned to write blog posts, it helps them critically think through the subject matter at hand, express their opinions effectively, and engage in reflection on themselves as writers. Blogs being public forums also encourage students to consider different points of view and engage in constructive dialogue with peers. Blogs can be used as a medium for enhancing student’s analytical and evaluative abilities since they will have to navigate through various viewpoints presented within the digital world.

It is important to bring blogs into the classroom because it promotes a sense of community and collaboration. Students can engage in discussions, share resources, and communicate their own opinions by commenting on each other’s blog posts”. This also contributes to their learning experience and fosters belongingness and connectedness among learners.

Do you have any ideas on how you would use blogs within the classroom?