March 2

I was introduced to blogging in 2005 when I was an EFL teacher working at the Portuguese Navy.

Types of blogs used in language teachingAaron Campbell (2003) has outlined three types of blogs for use with language classes:

• The Tutor Blog is run by the teacher of a class. The content of this type of blog can be limited to syllabus, course information, homework, assignments, etc. Or the teacher may choose to write about his or her life, sharing reflections about the local culture, target culture and language to stimulate online and in-class discussion. In this type of blog, students are normally restricted to being able to write comments to the teacher's posts. An example of a tutor blog: http://ois-it11.blogspot.com/  Students can connect with the teacher and others through the use of comments:  http://ois-it7.blogspot.com

• The Class Blog is a shared space, with teacher and students being able to write to the main area. It is best used as a collaborative discussion space, an extra-curricular extension of the classroom. Students can be encouraged to reflect in more depth, in writing, on themes touched upon in class. Students are given a greater sense of freedom and involvement than with the tutor blog. An example of a class blog: http://module4-l.blogspot.com/

• The Learner Blog is the third type of blog and it requires more time and effort from the teacher to both set up and moderate, but is probably the most rewarding. It involves giving each student an individual blog. The benefit of this is that this becomes the student's own personal online space. Students can be encouraged to write frequently about what interests them, and can post comments on other students' blogs. An example of a learner blog: http://madalenaprocessjournal.blogspot.com

source:  http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/think/articles/blogging-elt


How to create a blog with Blogger.com

Learning objective - The student will:  gain an understanding of the kinds of educational blogs and learn how easy it is to create a blog.