Resource

Blog

Author: ATU Galway

What is it?

A blog is a web page where the writer can make regular additions on various topics over specified timeframes. Hyperlinks, images, audio, and videos can be included with the text and can be presented creatively. This allows students to write about specific topics or experiences i.e., work experience, in a creative manner.

Advantages & Challenges

Advantages

Challenges

Advantages

Writing a blog provides a platform for students to be creative, give their opinion and use different styles of writing. It can help with developing transferrable skills such as content creation and communication.
They can be used as a reflective activity by getting students to give their personal experience with specified topics.
Blogs are versatile and can be adapted to suit various disciplines.
Creating and managing a blog requires students to develop digital literacy skills, including writing for an online audience, multimedia integration, and basic website management.

Challenges

Tips for Use

Exemplars can help to show students what’s expected of them, so it may be helpful if students can review work from earlier years prior to starting their blog.
If students’ backgrounds have not prepared them for working regularly online, they may need support to familiarise them with the VLE you use.
You should set very clear guidelines on word counts and duration of inputs and deadlines to avoid making review and assessment unmanageable.
Where students are commenting on each other’s work, it is advisable to have conversations in advance about what constructive critique comprises.

Resources

Sambell, K., & Brown, S (2023). Choosing and using fit-for-purpose assessment methods. Heriot Watt University. Link: https://sally-brown.net/download/3496/(page 3)
University of New South Wales (UNSW): https://www.teaching.unsw.edu.au/assessing-blogs#:~:text=Using%20a%20blog%2C%20students%20can,learning%20from%20the%20discourse%20community.
Garcia, E., Moizer, J., Wilkins, S., & Yacine Haddoud, M. Y. (2019). Student learning in higher education through blogging in the classroom. University of Plymouth.
Warwick University: Reflecting: journals and learning (b)logs (warwick.ac.uk)

Sample Rubrics

University of New South Wales (UNSW): https://www.teaching.unsw.edu.au/assessing-blogs#:~:text=Using%20a%20blog%2C%20students%20can,learning%20from%20the%20discourse%20community.

Recent Additions

Do you have a digital story to tell?

We are accepting submissions for the blog in order to feature all kinds of digital stories. Follow the link below to a submission form where you can submit your own digital story.