The document discusses research into using blogs in communication classes. It found that students learned about blogging and course topics by modeling blog examples. Students had some technical difficulties creating blogs and managing their time. They communicated well through filter blogs but less so with notebook blogs. The quality of writing varied, with some blogs resembling emails and others finding an active voice. Recommendations include providing detailed instructions, modeling good examples, making blogs public, and assessing blogs throughout the semester.

1. Blog, blog, blog
Experiences with Web logs
in communication classes

2. Types of blogs
Micro-journal: similar to diary
Notebook: like journals (example)
Filter: include hyperlinks to related sites
(example)
Web journal: include writer’s opinions,
links to sites supporting that position
(example)

3. Research questions
How do communication/journalism
students learn to create blogs?
How can blogs help students learn
about communication topics?

4. Methodology
Research design: Ethnographic
educational evaluation
Participants: 48 undergraduate students
in two Online Publishing courses
Data sources: Field notes, e-mail
interviews, web logs, course evaluation,
reflexive journal (example)

5. Findings
Students learn about blogs by modeling
Students learn about web design,
current events by modeling, social
interaction
Results support social-cognitive
learning theory (Bandura)

6. Findings - three themes
Technical difficulties: creating blogs,
time management
Communication: among students, with
instructor
Writing quality: finding the blog voice,
producing content

7. Technical difficulties
Some students had problems creating
their blogs
Some students did not have enough
time for the blog project
Some students wanted more detailed
instructions on the project.

8. Communication
Students found opportunity to freely
discuss web sites with each other in
filter blog project
Students were open in conversations
with me about filter blog project
Little or no interaction took place with
notebook blog project

9. Writing quality
Many treated blog as form of e-mail
Some found active, personal voice
(example)
Content and critical analysis was
lacking in some notebook blogs (example)
Filter blogs took on conversational tone
among team members in first class. (
example)

10. Recommendations
Provide detailed instructions on creating
blogs, requirements for blog projects
Model examples of good blog writing
Make blogs public to attract audience
Invite professionals to join blogosphere
Write blog entries in word-processing
program for spell, grammar checking

11. Assessment
Evaluate several times over semester
Use student self-assessments
Use rubric to grade on content, writing
Instructor joins in blog discussion,
assessing content and writing as part of
blogging process

12. Future uses
For opinion-writing courses - link to
pro/con articles
For current events courses - cover how
to evaluate Web sites for credibility
For graphic design courses - link to
examples of newsletters, logos, etc.
Critique designs.