The Importance of Audience In Web Logs

As an English Language Arts teacher, writing has always been a challenging area for students and myself. It is frequently difficult to motivate students to write as their audience is limited and often contrived. I have often thought that web logs would be a motivator for students, but through my limited involvement, found they fell short of my expectations. My implementation of this technology has been lacking something. However, Richardson, Overby and Zawilinsky all boast of the positive attributes of writing on a Web log by promoting discussion, providing an authentic audience and utilizing Web logs for reading and writing processes that promote higher level thinking.

Weblogs are an easy to use Internet web site, creatable in a matter of minutes with minimal amount of computer experience. A Web log, or blog, is a Web site created by an individual or group, producing an ongoing narrative resembling a journal or diary in reverse chronological order. As Richardson states:

They are an easy and inexpensive way to improve instruction, facilitate publishing, build community, involve different audiences and provide a lasting record of learning (2003, p. 39).

This online venue is as individual as it’s creator(s), promoting self-expression and creativity. Weblogs can be used across curriculum areas further proving the overwhelming effect this strategy has for educational purposes.

Blogs are one of the many new disruptive technologies that are transforming the world. They are creating a richer, more dynamic, more interactive Web where participation is the rule rather than the exception (Richardson, 2003, p. 39).

The Internet is used by virtually every student and is home to a continuously emerging set of new technologies. ...

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...authentic audience.

Creating a blog is the easy step. Using the technology to enhance learning is the most important stride. Through the use of comments and stringent instruction, the blog becomes a community of learning utilizing cross-curricular, reading and writing processes, allowing students “to see their work in a real world context, not just as a classroom exercise” (Richardson, 2003, p.41).

Works Cited

Overby, A. "The New Conversation: Using Weblogs for Reflective Practice in the Studio Art Classroom." Art Education 62.4 (2009): 18-24. Education Full Text.

Richardson, W. (2003). Web logs in the English classroom: More than just chat. English Journal, 93(1), 39-43. (Document ID: 422544451).

Zawilinski, L. "HOT Blogging: A Framework for Blogging to Promote Higher Order Thinking." The Reading Teacher 62.8 (2009): 650-61. Education Full Text.