Avoiding the 5 Most Common Mistakes in Using Blogs with Students

Reynard, Ruth. (2008, October 1). Avoiding the 5 Most Common Mistakes in Using Blogs with Students. Retrieved from http://campustechnology.com/articles/2008/10/avoiding-the-5-most-common-mistakes-in-using-blogs-with-students.aspx

Summary: 

Ruth Reynard addresses five common mistakes instructors make when requiring students to keep blogs for a class or assignment.  Reynard does a thorough job in both outlining and clarifying the mistakes in order to effectively implement blogging as an educational tool if desired.  The five mistakes include ineffective contextualization, unclear learning outcomes, misuse of the environment, illusive grading practices, and inadequate time allocation.  Because each of the discussed mistakes are issues Reynard confronted with her own students, the article offers keen insights and realistic solutions.  This article would be useful for anyone considering requiring student blogging, or even for those struggling with various assignment expectations.

Response:
I enjoyed Reynard's writing style but found some of the suggestion a bit redundant and overemphasized.  As a future teacher I am aware that clear expectations for assignments are necessary and see now how the same expectations must be outlined for a seemingly creative and open format.  Left unchecked, blogging could easily become a forum for 'brain dumping' information or even neglecting the root of the assignment at all.  I wonder how effective blogging is for students in lower grade levels, as Reynard only addressed it in relation to graduate students.  Her comments also reflected on her mistakes made with students, but did not offer any positive scenarios as to the effectiveness of blogging.  It would have been helpful to receive positive feedback on the process, but in highlighting the mistakes some of the benefits were naturally addressed.