...and in the case of blogging or social media there's perceived benefits to the school and student: a) school being cutting edge by embracing a tool the student is already comfortable with; and b) encouraging students to become familiar with blogging in the industry (firms, and individuals) and associations for an advantage at time of employment.
Appropriateness of blog, use of critical thinking and consideration of alternative ideas, comprehensiveness of thinking and proper etiquette and spelling /grammar.
A way I would assess the students’ use of blogging is to develop a rubric that evaluates the content of the blog, and the quality of the communication. Make sure the student is addressing the material, and is comprehending the material they are covering would be very important within the rubric. Make sure the material is appropriate for the audience, and that they are providing a clear picture of what they are discussing. The number of posts would also be important to assess. I usually have set guidelines in place which tells them my expectations in the number, which usually ranges from 3 to 6 posts. Each post must contain valuable information to further the discussion, and be supported with peer-reviewed analysis.
David Makin
My only issue with blogs are the grammatical errors I see over and over again for writer's who do not take the time to edit completely before posting. I wish there was a grammar check just for blogging that helped people post better.
I would have it incorporated into a rubric. Information for the course must support a topic relevant to the course and it must be credible information. Typically I like to see some reference to anything that is not common knowledge.
I am not sure how to assess how students use blogging. I can only assess my own usage. I tend to be conservative, however, from what I see on various websites, some people really quite prolific. I do believe that this is a good thing. It is encouraging people to wake up, and not be followers, but not necessarily be leaders. I tend to think that people are become autonomous individuals. To me, and if I am correct, this is indeed a good thing.
As for employing rubrics, I think that it would be best if I did not reinvent the wheel. I would use the rubrics that I have learned from this course.
Donald L. Buresh
Hello Dr. Kelly,
I would write up a class blogging plan, taking into account the ‘dos and don’ts’ of class blogging. Write up an assessment rubric. What will be measured? Presence of the blog should include subjective or inappropriate items on the rubric. Make the blog specific to the learning goal. Provide examples of writing that meet the standards of the rubric, and discuss these examples in the instructor live lab sessions.
Marie Osuna
Online Faculty
Hello Roger,
I completely agree that a blogging rubric is important. The rubric should be specific to the learning goal. Provide examples of writing that meet the standards of the rubric, and discuss these examples in the instructor live lab sessions.
Marie Osuna
Online Faculty
