BLOG TO LEARN!

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  Technology is used for almost every aspect of life. Therefore, in order to truly prepare students for the world outside of school, teachers must not neglect to teach students how to use and manipulate technology.   Technology has  become such an essential and effective tool in education, and can be used to support and enhance teaching and learning in schools. One way in which teachers can incorporate technology in their classroom, is through blogging. A Blog is short for web and log, and is basically like an online journal or dairy, except that it was created for an audience. Blogs are exceptional educational tools as it provides students with the freedom to publish content on the web. Therefore Blogs enables students to become motivated and engaged in their learning, gives them opportunities read and write, and provides students with a forum for communication, collaboration and discussion.

In most Caribbean islands, the most common teaching methods used are of the traditional means. This had to change drastically in St. Vincent, as the society we live in  is becoming more technologically advanced . Technology now plays a major role in most young people lives,  and because of this, incorporating technology in their schooling and learning experiences would therefore prompt them to place more value and importance on education. This only can happen by associating education with technology.  With blogs for example, students would feel more motivated to  learn if they blog or become a blogger just because it involves the use of  the computer skills. Also in comparison to the conventional classrooms that places emphasis on verbal knowledge and test performances , blogging can be a different way in which students can demonstrate and write/type what they understand. This is great way for teachers to assess and engage quiet and shy students who are normally afraid to speak out in a classroom setting.

Moreover, teaching students how to read and write is major part of being a teacher. Therefore teachers can take advantage of the fact that blogs are to be written. Teachers can use blogging as a literacy tactic in order to get their students comfortable with writing, and expressing their views on particular topics. Students can use blogs to publish their writing and educate others on a particular topic. students are also able to read other students work or their views on certain topics. Teachers can also use blogs to help students master content and improve their writing skills.  This is great way to show students the value of reading and writing .

Finally, as they are exposed to other students' work, as well as the teachers' commentary and inputs, blogs becomes a great forum for communication , discussion and collaboration. Students can be reactive to one another post and be reflective . Students can also participate in cooperative learning activities that require them to relay research findings, ideas, or suggestions. Lastly because blogging encourages communication among students and teachers, Classroom management is made easy as teachers can use blogs to publish assignments, resources, and keep students and even parents up to date on class events, due dates, and content being covered.

It is therefore very fair to conclude that blogs are excellent educational tools that can be used to support and enhance teaching and learning in our schools.  This is because students are significantly more motivated to learn when using computers, also, blogging provides  students with opportunities to write and read and promotes communication, collaboration and discussion between students and teachers.