Would you like to enhance student engagement and critical thinking both in and out of the classroom? The newest version of Blackboard has several features that can assist with asynchronous discussion and reflection. One of these features is a blog. A blog, or web log, is a form of journaling through which the author can share thoughts for others’ comments.

A blog can be a powerful learning tool. The process of constructing and evaluating knowledge while creating a blog post allows students to engage in higher order thinking. By reading the work of peers, students see models for writing and thinking.

Blogging can provide an opportunity for participation and an audience for student writing. When others interact with an individual’s posts, a blog can become a forum for discussion. A blog can also offer an opportunity for students to share diverse perspectives.

Here on campus, faculty members are using blogs to support learning both in and out of the classroom. Several departments, faculty members, organizations, and committees maintain blogs. Many of these blogs were created using a tool called WordPress that allows blogs to be shared with an audience beyond the class. Through Blackboard or Moodle, blogs can be created that are exclusively shared between the members of a specific class.

Professor Helen Bachochin has created a blog using Blackboard to provide language practice and discussion for her Intermediate Spanish I students. Professor Bachochin has asked her students to explain their experiences related to weekly chapter topics. Students are encouraged to practice informal written expression using pertinent vocabulary. Professor Bachochin plans to later post articles and videos from Spanish news for student debate. She has used her own comments to model correct grammar and to encourage interaction between students.

The members of Intermediate Spanish I have reported that they enjoy this informal and enjoyable opportunity to practice writing in Spanish. Professor Bachochin is encouraged by the level of participation and hopeful for the continued success of the activity.

1. Start with one classroom blog. This will allow for a steady stream of postings and comments.

2. Provide a clear model for students before they begin. Highlight effective strategies or concepts used in your model.

3. Provide a topic with a clear description. Because a blog is about conversation, to be effective, the blog must have a defined purpose that is closely monitored.

4. Define grading expectations. Define your expectations for depth, content, and style.

5. Use comments to provide meaningful feedback. Encourage students to comment on one another’s postings. Comments can foster cognitive scaffolding by allowing students to revisit their learning, build on prior knowledge, and explore topics more-deeply.

6. Set boundaries for the use of appropriate language, topics, and grading (not as to inhibit exploration or creativity, but to create a setting through which it can be fostered).