Module 2 Notes from Reading

One quick thought about blogs as an assessment tool is from the article "Edublogs as an Online Assessment Tool" was that the author stated that an assessment is a systematic on-going interactive process. With respect to this statement a blog is a perfect tool for assessing student learning. A blog would keep a record and provide documentation of student growth throughout a class.

After reading the article “Benefits of Cooperative Learning in Weblog Networks” advantages that I found to using blogs were that blogs are a convenient communication tool for students, students have an opportunity to develop well thought out responses, and that class blogs provide a relatively safe forum to receive feedback on their work. Disadvantages that I saw with the use of blogs as an assessment tool are the level of comfort and availability with the required technology needed and the format in which students write and comment in blogs.

Using blogs as an assessment tool provides learners the opportunity to learn when it is convenient for them. With content and information always available learners are able to interact whenever possible. Blogs also provide learners an opportunity to reflect on questions and comments posted to develop more in depth answers to questions. Finally class blogs provide learners an opportunity to get constructive criticism on their work. When an instructor monitors student posting as part of the class learners are more contentious about the comments and feedback they provide.

One disadvantage of using a blog as an assessment tool is the level of comfort students have with technology. Although a blog is a fairly simple online tool learners who are not comfortable with new technology might be hesitant to use this type of forum. Also the advantage of convenience could be lost for learners who do not have unlimited access to the technology required to complete assignments. Another disadvantage that I have seen with the use of blogs as an assessment tool that was not mentioned in the article is the lack of formal writing. I have seen younger learners post good information that was lost or ignored due to the fact it was posted in an instant messenger format.