Blogs
Blogs can be used in the classroom environment in a variety of ways. They provide a communication space that teachers can utilise with students whenever there is a curriculum need to develop writing, share ideas or reflect on work being undertaken in the classroom (DET, 2009).

As a future educator it is important to know why such a new technology can be used in a classroom environment. As stated by Scott (2001) a blog is a web page containing brief, chronologically arranged items of information. A blog can take many forms including such things like a diary, journal, what's new page, or links to other web sites.

Blogs in the 21st century can have many educational purposes. They are engaging to students, and promote high levels of participation. Blogs provide opportunities for students to read and write, as well as being an effective tool for collaboration and discussions (Scott, 2001).

Personally I have only just made myself familiar with blogs, as previously I had no idea they could be used for educational purposes. However, in exploring many blogs I came across my father’s blog detailing his sailing journey. I became really appreciative of such a new technology, as it allowed me to read up on his whereabouts, what he has been doing and general updates.

Looking to the future as a learning manager, I am excited to incorporate blogs into my classroom. In my exploration of blogs I noticed they were easy to create and update and they can be used to inform students of class requirements, post handouts, notices, homework, assignments, or act as a question and answer board.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwQOyEwspKY - great youtube video showing the use of blogs.

So in conclusion blogs are a great tool to engage students and use collaboratively. This particular tool links well within the multiple learning theories (Siemens, 2005). Siemens (2005) discusses the theory that learning best occurs within networks. This is expanded further by making learning connected, and that this learning and knowledge is constructed when different perspectives and opinions are viewed (Simens, 2005).

References
Department of Education and Training (2009). Resourcing the Curriculum. Retrieved 16th August, 2009 from http://www.det.wa.gov.au/education/cmis/eval/curriculum/ict/weblogs/

Scott, P. (2001). Blogging, the New PR Tool for the Savvy. Academic Research Libraries, California, Asilomar, CA.

Siemens, G. (2005). Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age. Retrieved July 16, 2009, from http://wwww.elearnspace.or/Articles/connectivism.htm

Youtube (2007). Students 2.0 Launch Teaser. Retrieved 16th August, 2009 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwQOyEwspKY