I think that blogging could change the traditional classroom in that it does not give exclusive control to the instructor but instead allows students to become more of a voice and gives them the opportunity to be in a teaching mode. It allows them to critique their peers and others and gives them more expressive opportunity. It also allows the instructor the opportunity to learn.
It also could change the traditional classroom in that blogging helps to link new and available resources. It aids both the student and teacher in the learning process in that information can be communicated in a much more expedite manner. Items such as times, deadlines, assignments, readings and projects can be placed in blogs as opposed to the traditional manner of having to put these forms of communication on paper. This saves time for the professor as well as the student. In terms of the student many times paper copies are misplaced or lost and we have to find other ways of retrieving these items. In terms of the professor he is able to link other internet items that relate to the topic. Using blogs allows us instant access to these materials together with useful resources and blogs by others on the topic. It makes it much easier for both student and instructor.
Traditionally the student would have to look up these topics either in books, magazines, etc. Blogging would eliminate some textbooks that are assigned. Instead links to resources would replace the need for books.
The blogging tool also helps develop a society of learners each sharing similarities and differences in a non-threatening way. This allows students who are less likely to participate in a classroom forum to become involved in a discussion and voice their opinion, something that would not be done in a traditional classroom. Blogging also is non-complicated. Students do not have to adhere to special formatting and style. It is easy to edit and update and this tool. This helps both support and collaborate learning for individuals outside of the formal classroom.Faith L. Faulk
