Journal #4

"Moderating and Ethics for the Classroom Instructional Blog"

In Deubel's article, she outlines the advantages of using blogs in the classroom if they are used effectively.
Are blogs being used in classrooms because they are "in style" or because they have a useful service to provide students?
Blogs used in the classrooms have a different use than blogs posted on social networking sites (for recreation?). In the classroom there is a specific educational goal laid out and rules/guidelines for students in order to reach that goal. Students are expected to increase their technological skills through the use of blogs, whereas skills tend to remain constant when blogging outside of school.
What are the advantages of blogs versus any other teaching method?
The online community has a different dynamic than the classroom. Students who may not feel comfortable sharing in the classroom are required to share their opinions, but in a lower stress atmosphere. Therefore it encourages the "community" aspect of sharing one's work. When students are asked to reflect upon important topics, blogging also utilizes critical thinking skills essential to any classroom.