Blogs and Blogging

Blogs and Blogging: Text and Practice

a. What are some characteristics of blogs?

According to the reading, characteristics of blogs include date and time stamping of posts, appearance of posts in reverse chronological order, hyperlinking to external sites, archiving of posts, reference to similar blogs through the provision of a blogroll, an area for comments from readers, and organization of posts through keywords into separate browsable categories.

b. What are they useful for?

Blogs for personal use can serve as a diary-like stream-of-consciousness narration of the writer's life. It also allows users to easily have communication with eachother, which is not always possible in other forms of writing. Blogs are also good for providing up-to-the minute information.

c. How are blog posts a distinctive type of writing?

Blogs have particular emphasis on readability, audience, and style. Blogs are about personal expression, meaningful conversation, and collaborative thinking with other Internet users. Unlike other forms of writing, it is not static nor private, and it is fairly visually appealing. Also, blogs can use other forms of media in its contents with embedded or linked photos, videos, or audio files.

d. How might blogging be an effective extension of learning in the classroom?

My journalism class actually has its own blog. It is an effective extension in that people post videos and further readings that have to do with what we are discussing in class. My teacher also posts study guide information for our tests. Obviously blogs can be helpful because they add extra information and differing views to the discourse that is found within the classroom.