Blogs as a learning tool are becoming more popular with time. This is not a surprising fact with internet use becoming a near necessity for learners to be successful. There is an abundance of resources and a variety of tools available on the internet, so it makes sense to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using blogs for learning. My purpose here is to share a few of my observations.
One obvious benefit is that using a blog allows learners to share information and ideas without being bound to a specific place and time. When time permits, each individual may go to the blog for reading material from wherever they happen to be. The downside of this is that some learners prefer to be in a classroom setting and are more comfortable learning in this type of environment. Nevertheless, it is easier to focus the learning on very specific target areas and maintain learner attention, which is the first step in the process of learning (Wolfe, 2006).
While some learners may prefer going to class, blogging can remove some of the fear that may be present in the learning environment, perhaps leftover from childhood school days (Perry, 2006). Perry (2006) reveals that nearly one-third of adult learners come with incidences of “abuse, neglect, developmental chaos, or violence that influence their capacity to learn” (p. 21). In a place of comfort, a learner can participate.
Blogging provides an opportunity for learners to be more reflective. That is, when people are given reading on a given topic, they are able to spend some time thinking about what is being shared, and what it means to them. I view this as an advantage because meaning is being constructed through the reflection rather than passive listening to a lecture that may occur in a classroom (Taylor, 2006). Additionally, blogging allows for collaborative learning by considering a variety of perspectives that may be shared on the blog.
This medium requires readers be engaged in the learning process, again avoiding the passive method of learning (Caine, & Caine, 2006). It also allows individual learners to practice their writing skills and provides a means of “learning through articulation” by writing a narrative, journal, autobiography, or writing-to-learn (Taylor, 2006, p. 75).
Blogging is not ideal for veridical learning which involves getting to exact answers that are predefined. However, when the goal is to encourage creative problem-solving and decision making, or interpreting meaning of ideas, the medium can be very effective (Taylor, 2006).
Caine, G., & Caine, R. N. (2006). Meaningful learning and the executive functions of the brain. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education. DOI: 10.1002/ace.219.
Perry, B. D. (2006). Fear and learning: Trauma-related factors in the adult education process. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education. DOI: 10.1002/ace.215.
Taylor, K. (2006). Brain function and adult learning: Implications for practice. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education. DOI: 10.1002/ace.221.
Wolfe, P. (2006). The role of meaning and emotion in learning. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education. DOI: 10.1002/ace.217.
