Using Blogs in ESL Classrooms

The need for engaging and authentic learning methods in ESL classrooms has driven educators to push the boundaries of traditional teaching practices.  With the limitless potential of internet tools in today’s classrooms, teachers have picked up on the creative use of this internet technology and put the blog to work in the classroom.  Blogs can be a powerful and effective technology tool for students and teachers alike.  Blogging is advantageous for several reasons:

1. Students are not tied to a class schedule.
2. Students can learn of the topics posted all over the world.
3. Students express themselves and receive feedback.
4. Blogging promotes critical thinking.
5. Blogs helps students in their writing skills, and learn etiquette used for the internet.
6. Students are able to share articles, videos, opinions with people outside their community.

7. Blogs are great for shy students.
8. Teacher can monitor participation. 

It’s worth noting that blogs also present a degree of risk.  Blogs may be viewed publicly, similar to any other website. Students must be aware of issues regarding access, privacy, security, and free expression. As blogs have no publisher, producer, or editor, students must carefully consider the content of postings to avoid anything offensive.

Implementing blogs in the classroom:

Blogs can be adapted to the classroom to accommodate all learners.  Blogs can serve multiple functions, while simultaneously aligning with standards. 

1. Classroom Management
Class blogs can serve as a gateway to develop a community of learners. As they are easy to create and update efficiently, they can be used to inform students of class requirements, post handouts, notices, and homework assignments, or act as a question and answer board.

NYS ESL Standard 1:

Students will listen, speak, read, and write in English for information and understanding.

2. Collaboration
Blogs provide a space where teachers and students can work to further develop writing or other skills with the advantage of an instant audience. Teachers can offer instructional tips, and students can practice and benefit from peer review. They also make online mentoring possible. 

NYS ESL Standard 4:

Students will listen, speak, read, and write in English for classroom and social interaction.

3. Discussions
A class blog opens the opportunity for students to discuss topics outside of the classroom. With a blog, every person has an equal opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions. Students have time to be reactive to one another and reflective. Teachers can also bring together a group of knowledgeable individuals for a given unit of study for students to network and conference with on a blog.

NYS ESL Standard 3:

Students will listen, speak, read, and write in English for critical analysis and evaluation.

The uses of blogs in classrooms are endless.  Remember to allow time to adequately prepare students for blogs and to set clear expectations.

New York State ESL Standards:

http://www.p12.nysed.gov/biling/resource/ESL/standards.html