Thoughts on "Adventures in the blogosphere..."

I thoroughly enjoyed reading “Adventures in the blogosphere: from blog readers to blog writers” by Ducate and. Lomicka. It was interesting, stimulating and informative. The investigation suggests that blogging can enhance reading and writing skills. Blogging facilitates collaboration, interactivity, self expression, self empowerment and a sense of ownership of the blog. These elements encourage the development of reading and writing skills because they generate debates, critical analysis, creativity and discussion: students read and write with a purpose hence motivation, direction and enjoyment are present. - key ingredients that promote sustained writing and reading. Blogging is markedly contrasted with traditional writing in that in traditional writing the audience is usually the teacher. In blogging the audience is a much wider population of peers, friends, family, strangers and the teacher. This increase audience provides greater motivation for students to write and write accurately since they are aware that their material will be read by a large, real audience.

The relatively safe and free environment of the blogosphere is contrasted with the sometimes threatening and restrictive nature of the classroom. The blogosphere encourages freedom and openness of expression which is an aid to writing. Moreover, what seemed to emerge from this study is that blogging apparently lends itself to the expression of personal feelings and ideas. Further investigation is needed to understand the full potential and benefits of blogging in enhancing reading and writing but based on this study, blogging seems better suited to enhancing literacy through blogging away about one’s feelings and ideas rather than enhancing literacy through the process of writing, editing and rewriting. In this respect it is very similar to a journal or diary which is also powerful literacy builders.