How do Web logs impact learning?
In a broad sense, the advent of easy-to-use web publishing tools like Web logs has effectively lowered the technology barrier, allowing teachers and students to take full advantage of the promise of the Internet. Features like integrated tools for discussion and feedback, automatic archiving of materials, and content syndication establish weblogs as ideal spaces for the presentation and discussion of knowledge and information. The open, flexible nature of weblogs encourages dialogues among many participants; many faculty Web log users, or “bloggers,” have invited professionals and mentors from around the world to participate in their classes via their Web logs. In the hands of creative teachers, Web logs can enable students to connect their classroom experience to the “real world.” This has had an extremely positive effect on the students, who quickly realize that they are writing for or having a dialogue with a community larger than the teacher or the class.
