What is a blog?

What is a blog?  Wikipedia defines a blog (a truncation of the expression weblog) as "a discussion or informational site published on the World Wide Web and consisting of discrete entries (posts) typically displayed in reverse chronological order."  As you may tell, my blog has been used previously in different classes and has remained dormant until the start of this course.  I am not one who is a frequent "blogger" and usually forget that this resource is even available.   

I am a political science major and very active in politics.  However, I do not post political views on Facebook or Linkedin (the two social medial websites I use).  A blog may be an appropriate way to post personal opinions and views in political matters.  I was intrigued to read about the blogging that occurred after the 2002 comments made by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott in reference to U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond.  The comments made by Lott were controversial; however, they were not carried by any of the major news outlets.  Frequent blogging occurred referencing these comments and Lott was forced to resign his position over the comments.

This shows that blogging has a huge impact.  Students can use blogging to discuss lessons, provide feedback, and demonstrate their critical thinking skills.  By having a personal blog (an ongoing diary or commentary), students can discuss their personal views, opinions, or feedback over relevant course work that can be read by other students and the teacher.  This is a simple process that can be used from home or the classroom.

In my position, I could use a blog to heighten awareness to the community for our district.  Our superintendent has a blog that he frequently updates with current events in our district.  I could communicate to the community with a blog about job postings, benefits of working in the school district, school bus safety, and many other areas. 

Technology is an important method of communication that will only become more complex as we move forward.  A blog is something simple that teachers, principals, and district administrators can use to communicate with their parents and patrons of the school district.  This effective means of communication should be utilized to its fullest extent by not only the aforementioned school personnel, but by students as well.

kms