Some uses of blogs in the classroom

As we mentioned previously, blogs are more often used for online journals than collaborative writing. However, one feature of blogs which can be exploited in the language classroom is the ability to add comments and join discussions.

Discussion Forums

We can use blogs as forums of discussion for our students.

Have a look at a blog we have set up at http://hkeltnactivities.blogspot.com/ and have a look at the activity at the bottom entitled Virtual Art Gallery. In this exercise students practice language for describing artwork and would be asked to view the pictures on the blog and write their feelings towards them in the Comments section.

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My Personal Diary

We’re coming to the end of one school year and before we know it, another will be starting. If you are a class teacher, you will see your students develop over the year but will you have a record of it? For that matter, will they have a record of it?

Blogs offer an excellent platform for students to keep reflective diaries on their school year. Students could keep one going for the whole year, contributing to it on a weekly basis.

Alternatively a group of students could set up a blog for a particular project.

A popular website that allows you to create blogs is with www.blogger.com. With Blogger it is possible to restrict who can view blogs so it is only open to your class.

Of course, students are required to write in English so what better way is there of practicing the language?

Other uses of wikis and blogs for learning professionals

As we mentioned earlier blogs are often online journals. Have you ever thought of keeping a journal of your continuing professional development? By maintaining a blog of your personal development you will be able to monitor how you have developed and share your experiences with other ELT professionals.

The blog service on the new English Online webpage (see previous month’s article and this month’s audiobite) will be an ideal place for this kind of blog.