The Use of Student Blogging to Enhance Engaged Learning on Environmental Issues
Abstract
Class blogging sites have the benefit of promoting interest in writing, sharing ideas, and generating authentic feedback from real audience members. The use of externally accessible, multi-media communication has strengthened student engagement and improved student writing. This classroom technology is especially beneficial for teaching environmental issues relating to local communities because it facilitates student communication with diverse constituencies. Our Watershed Citizenship course, co-taught by a biology professor and a communication professor, uses a variety of interactive, interdisciplinary approaches, including a Speaker Series and community service projects, to examine current environmental issues relating to local and global watersheds. We find that regular blogging assignments have contributed to achieving the learning objectives--strengthening writing skills and partnership relationships. Of particular significance is the degree to which students have come to reflect on and assess the engaged learning activities. We aim to make the blogs a tool-for-thought enhancing critical inquiry into environmental and communication issues, going beyond their function as simply a tool of self-expression.
Location
Atrium/Concourse
Recommended Citation
Xu, Janice; Dunbar, David; and Cardone, Jenna, "The Use of Student Blogging to Enhance Engaged Learning on Environmental Issues " (2012). SoTL Commons Conference. 70.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/sotlcommons/SoTL/2012/70
The Use of Student Blogging to Enhance Engaged Learning on Environmental Issues
Atrium/Concourse
Class blogging sites have the benefit of promoting interest in writing, sharing ideas, and generating authentic feedback from real audience members. The use of externally accessible, multi-media communication has strengthened student engagement and improved student writing. This classroom technology is especially beneficial for teaching environmental issues relating to local communities because it facilitates student communication with diverse constituencies. Our Watershed Citizenship course, co-taught by a biology professor and a communication professor, uses a variety of interactive, interdisciplinary approaches, including a Speaker Series and community service projects, to examine current environmental issues relating to local and global watersheds. We find that regular blogging assignments have contributed to achieving the learning objectives--strengthening writing skills and partnership relationships. Of particular significance is the degree to which students have come to reflect on and assess the engaged learning activities. We aim to make the blogs a tool-for-thought enhancing critical inquiry into environmental and communication issues, going beyond their function as simply a tool of self-expression.
