University of Birmingham Blogging in a Managed Environment Stephen Clarke, Head of eLearning University of Birmingham

What is a blog? Blog A blog (a portmanteau of web log) is a website where entries are written in chronological order and commonly displayed in reverse chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog. Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. Most blogs are primarily textual, although some focus on art (artlog), photographs (photoblog), sketchblog, videos (vlog), music (MP3 blog), audio (podcasting) and are part of a wider network of social media. Micro-blogging is another type of blogging which consists of blogs with very short posts. As of September 2007, blog search engine Technorati was tracking more than 106 million blogs. [1] Blog A blog (a portmanteau of web log) is a website where entries are written in chronological order and commonly displayed in reverse chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog. Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. Most blogs are primarily textual, although some focus on art (artlog), photographs (photoblog), sketchblog, videos (vlog), music (MP3 blog), audio (podcasting) and are part of a wider network of social media. Micro-blogging is another type of blogging which consists of blogs with very short posts. As of September 2007, blog search engine Technorati was tracking more than 106 million blogs. [1]

Educational Blogging Weblogs in the Classroom Blogs provide a communication space that teachers can utilise with students whenever there is a curriculum need to develop writing, share ideas and reflect on work being undertaken in the classroom. Definition Blog/WebLog: a web page containing brief, chronologically arranged items of information. A blog can take the form of a diary, journal, what's new page, or links to other web sites. Peter Scott, Internet Librarian 2001 Weblogs in the Classroom Blogs provide a communication space that teachers can utilise with students whenever there is a curriculum need to develop writing, share ideas and reflect on work being undertaken in the classroom. Definition Blog/WebLog: a web page containing brief, chronologically arranged items of information. A blog can take the form of a diary, journal, what's new page, or links to other web sites. Peter Scott, Internet Librarian 2001 From an education perspective the availability and ease of use of blogging software makes creating Weblogs a viable classroom activity and a means for teachers to communicate with other teachers. From an education perspective the availability and ease of use of blogging software makes creating Weblogs a viable classroom activity and a means for teachers to communicate with other teachers.

Educational Blogging Is it all ‘win-win?’ Blogs have educational value But there are risks

On the nature of risk… Most human activities involve risk Innovations are particularly risky Risk aversion slows innovation BUT Poor risk management reverses innovation Risk management is about recognising risks and guarding against them

Good Blog Bad Blog A few examples of blogs These blogs contain both positive and negative features Opinions may vary

Blog One

Focused on learning Core part of the course – May be assessed – Archived, supported etc – Maintained throughout course – Safe and Secure

Blog Two

Good quality Builds cohesion Enhances student life Can be transient Independent of learning activities

Blog Three

Disrespectful Rude Spreads a poor image University can not intervene Created by students

Blog Four Displaying all 8 posts by 3 people. Post #1 1 reply xxxxx wrote on …….. I gather there was some confusion about xxxxx in the 2nd year lecture last week …………………………………………………………………………………………… Send Message A student wrote on ……….. hmmmm...i reckon we can solve 99 per cent of ……. problems with beer...including …………!!! Send Message Post #4

Blog Four Could cause offence Contains material that could be regarded as ‘core’ content Learners could lose access Created by staff

Further Risks Universal loss of service Individual loss of service Facebook is now banning names such as – Lord (20) – Gay (11) – Beta (0)

Moving Forward and Managing Risks All activities have some risk Agree an acceptable level of risk Manage the risks

Good Blogs Secure, safe and reliable Inappropriate use can be stopped The institution – Controls access – Sets the ‘acceptable use’ policy Support institutional goals

Bad Blogs Are a fact of life Institutions need to maintain distance Should not be imposed on learners

Conclusions Blogging in a Managed Environment: Supports Good Blogs Protects Users Protects Content Carries Responsibility