If I were currently teaching I think I would find blogs very useful. I would have a blog of my own. I would also have each student create their own blog, only after having an in depth discussion about safety online.

The possible uses of having a blog to share with students seem almost overwhelming. I could post links for reading assignments, or just links to good research sites. I could post homework assignments, deadlines and tips for completing the assignment. Students could post any questions they may have if they are having trouble with a particular project. That way if they were working on something over the weekend they wouldn't have to wait until Monday for an answer. In addition, students may feels more comfortable asking questions outside the classroom setting.

The same could be said about students socializing with other members of the class through their own blogs. A shy students might be able to post a comment about another students post that he might not have had the courage to do in person. Another great part about students with their own blogs is what Richardson describes as the "online filing cabinet" (Richardson, 2006, p.23). I was one of those students who often had mysterious things happen to their homework. Admittedly there are still some things that could happen to files on a computer or online, but the possibilities are much more limited.


Richardson, W. (2006). Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press

Comment about post on Techlearning blog

Today's post on the Techlearning blog is about how important relationships develop between learning networks. The author, Steve Dembo, discusses how surprised he is by the bonds and familiarity he has formed with his network.

"These people are my friends. Yes, they're my colleagues, and my 'research team', but I've found that my relationship with these people goes far beyond just learning from each other."

This can be true of any group that assembles online. These types of interactions can be easier for some students. Students may open up more or intermingle easier if not in a face to face situation. Getting out of the normal cliques and networking with other students can be very beneficial. In addition, students could begin to collaborate with students from much further than what they normally could. This could lead not only to more scholastic learning, but also more cultural learning, and that could prove very useful in today's ever diversifying world.

1st entry ever!

Well this is my first official blog, so testing.....testing....

This is my little Emily (looking for trouble).