What is blog?

“Blog” is the short form of “web log”. The term “blog” refers to a type of websites created by an individual that allows users to reflect, share and post entries about their personal experiences, hobbies, opinions, and discuss various topics in the form of an online journal while readers may comment on posts.

Why do people blog?

So you may be asking why anyone would want to have their own blog. We believe the answer lies in the fact that every human has a voice and wishes their voice to be heard. The Internet is a medium that is unmatched in its reach. It is the first time in history that an average people like you or me are able to reach a global audience easily. Bloggers have the opportunity of reaching hundreds or even thousands of people each and every day.

The importance of blogging:

Blogging has become an important activity on the web; the number of web blogs is growing extremely fast, so this phenomenon cannot be ignored. Also, blogs are excellent information hubs, that is provide short summaries with links to extra information on major issues related to the topic of the blog.

Blogs are powerful because they allow millions of people to publish and share their ideas easily, and other millions to read and respond. They engage the writer and reader in an open conversation and shifting the internet paradigm.

Pros of educational blog in our TFL classes:

·         Makes students willing to rethink and revise their writing to make it not only clear and precise but also engaging for readers.

·         Encourages learners to be active throughout the course period.

·         Helps learners to conveying their thoughts and ideas and receive responds from others.

·         Blog participants get better of reflecting and expressing reflections in writing.

·         Invites learners to collaborate, that they can ask and answer questions to/from each others.

·         Helps improving our languages( mother tongue or second language)

What are the implications of using blogs for teaching and learning?

Nowadays, blogs are an increasingly accepted instructional technology tool. Blogs can be used for reflection about classes, careers, or current events; they can also capture and disseminate the content generated by student and faculty. Blogs offer students, faculty, staff, and others a high level of independence while creating a new opportunity for interaction with peers. Blogs provide a forum for discussion that goes beyond coursework to include culture, politics, and other areas of personal exploration. Students often learn as much from each other as from instructors or textbooks, and blogs offer another mechanism for peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and acquisition.