The Value of Blogs in Writing Instruction

As I begin my 24th year of teaching, I am embarking on a new subject. Well, the subject is not new, but the approach will be. I will be teaching a writing class in the computer lab. As I have looked through my grade level content expectations for writing and the technology standards set by my state, I have decided that blogging for my elementary students would be a great way to combine the two.

Blogs would allow my students the opportunity to state their opinions, critique the works of others, discuss favorite movies, books, or lunches, and examine current events. A blog could have students writing descriptions of characters, or reflections on the themes in novels. We could write and create pod casts that could be heard all over the world. We know that teens who blog are more prolific writers than teens who don't.

I have seen blogs from teachers who share their writing ideas for others to use. These blogs are another example of how blogs can be a valuable tool in teaching students to write. We generally think of blogs as something the students do, but as teachers, we can share our successful writing ideas so that all students can become better writers.

There are issues that have prevented teachers from using this motivating tool. Keeping our children safe on the Internet is always going to be a concern to many. John McCain even introduced legislation that would have virtually put an end to all blogging by requiring bloggers to monitor their sites or face stiff financial penalties. This bill never became a law, but it does represent the concerns of many about children safety and the Internet. As I have looked at blogs online and designed one of my own, there are many safeguards that can be put into place to insure the safety of children when blogging. Making sure students do not use their names, location, or pictures on the blog are just a few. The teacher can also control who sees the blog and what comments are made on the blog. There are sites that help teach cyber safety through games that teachers could utilize with their students.

Another issue some have with blogging is the lack of writing conventions that occur with most blog posts. Sarah Boxer, in the New York Review of Books (2008), complains about this as well as many other aspects of blogging. I think that by teaching our students to write using blogs , we may be able to improve this aspect of blogging. As shown in a study conducted by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, even teens recognize that good writing skills are essential to future success. Bloggers today have their own netiquette that doesn't seem to include traditional writing conventions. Teaching our students to sound and look intelligent with their blog posts may change this attitude. Proofreading and editing can be part of the writing instruction and the teachers' expectations.

Blogging seems to be a natural progression in writing instruction. We need to prepare our students for how they will be writing as adults. So this only dog will be learning many new tricks this year.