Journal #4
Moderating and Ethics for the Classroom Instructional Blog
By Patricia Deubel, Ph.D.

In her article, Dr. Deubel gives her view on blogs and shows how with the right guidelines can potentially support the collaborative element important for peer to peer learning. She gives examples on ways in which a blog can require class participation from every student compared to just open-ended questions aloud in class. Dr. Deubel suggest that if you decide to use a blog you may want to include a minimum number of words to be used or set a length for the post, have the students not only post their discussions but also have them reply to two other students, and give priority to student commentary. As Dr. Deeubel also pointed out that a blog is still a public forum, and ethics need to be taken into consideration. As educators we want to keep our students safe and as you monitor blogs try to ensure that they include truth, accuracy, and accountability along with respect to others even if you disagree with what they have to say. The classroom blog can help students reach instructional goals as well teach them skills for monitoring their own on-line behaviors. There are many dangers with blogs but with the right monitoring they can be very beneficial.

1.How are blogs beneficial to students?

Blogs are beneficial to students in ways that they allow peer to peer communication which will enable students to use critical thinking in answering discussion questions, leave feedback for their peers and give them the opportunity to take control of their learning while using technology to do so.

2.When would it be appropriate to use a blog in you classroom with your students?

I do not know the age range, but as long as the students learning is being monitored and are being kept safe it should be fine.