Functionality of a Blog

Princeton University (2010) defines a Web blog as 'a shared online journal where people can post diary entries about their personal experiences and hobbies' and a blogger as a person who writes and edits a blog (Princeton University 2010). Allowing people to make daily contributions, a blog be used for personal reflection, linking photographs and videos or sharing information or 'news' (). Each contribution may be commented on by outside parties, allowing for conversation and constructive criticism.

The functionality of a blog in a University context allows students to blog their thoughts and understandings of course material and be exposed to a variety of different technology that many have not yet experienced.

In school environments, blogs may be used in the same manner, allowing students to communicate their understandings and reflect on information being learnt.
Introducing students to different ways in which display, communicate and share information. The use of a blog as a personal reflective tool may also be useful in the classroom as students are able to communicate concerns and other students and their teacher is able to respond and assist.
Allowing students communicate in this way allows for development of understanding of technology and the unsecure nature of the internet.

Issues that blogs have in relation to securing information students contribute to their blogs in school contexts need to be considered and monitored closely by class teachers. Educating students from the 'get go' about the importance of remaining vigilant about information contributed is vital in successfully implementing blogs into classrooms.

Blogs are undoubtedly useful in school contexts in allowing students to reflect on learning and communicate with their peers. Allowing students to explore this technology as competent learners is important, though educating them about the risks of exposing personal information is equally important.