Blogging: A Reflection
When I first realized we’d be blogging instead of taking traditional exams and quizzes, I have to admit, I was skeptical. I mean, how could typing out my thoughts for others to read (omg!) possibly replace the lovely feeling of taking weekly quizzes?
But as I started writing, something clicked. Blogging isn’t just about putting words on a screen; it’s about crafting a narrative, making connections, and really thinking deeply about what I’ve learned. It’s a chance to step away from memorization and into real understanding.
One thing I’ve loved is the freedom. No more rigid essay structures or word limits—I can write as much or as little as I need to get my point across. And while I didn't take much advantage of it myself, I've realized it’s not just about writing. Adding images, links, and videos helps paint a picture of, not just what someone knows, but how someone thinks.
Another thing that’s been eye-opening is the feedback. Unlike the silence of a graded exam, blogging invites conversation. Peers comment on my posts, offering new perspectives or pointing out things I hadn’t considered. I also have the ability to share my perspective on others' blogs. These conversations and discussions become valuable and insightful, something not often seen in an online course.
Of course, blogging isn’t without its challenges. It requires discipline to stay organized and focused (sometimes I realllllly didn't want to blog - especially three times in a week!), and there’s a certain vulnerability in putting your thoughts out there for others to see. But I’ve come to see that vulnerability as a strength—it pushes me to be clear in my thinking and confident in my ideas. It’s a bit different from the usual tests and essays, and I’ve found it surprisingly insightful and now I've found a new tool to bring with me once this semester comes to an end.
Kaley, you've done a great job of describing the benefits of blogging in this context, and I agree with everything you're saying here. In a previous life, I used to be a writing teacher, and I was always thinking about low-stakes vs. high-stakes assignments. For instance, I often asked students to journal as a low-stakes form of writing, and their end-of-the-term research essays were the high-stakes assignments. What I like about blogging is that it seems like a "medium-stakes" form of writing, in that we have the freedom to work out what we're thinking but we also need to do so in a way that someone else can, you know, understand and potentially engage with. In any case, thanks again for sharing your ideas!
ReplyDeleteOoh, yes. I agree that blogging feels like a medium-stakes form of writing and assessment.
DeleteThanks Kaley and William. I agree with you about blogging! There is something wonderful about the informative and conversational tone. It has been such a pleasure to hear the clever voices of our classmates.
ReplyDeleteI love this post. When blogging clicks, it is a beautiful thing.
ReplyDelete