Using blogs to journal, document, and create community

This chapter describes a case where learning and assessment were centered on the use of an online blog for sharing ideas; logging progressive details of an emerging artwork; providing supportive comments and advice from both teacher and fellow students; as well as, unexpectedly, creating a very strong community of practice. The case study discusses the reasons for choosing the blog tool, the features of the chosen blog tool, the elements of the assessment task, the outcomes of the learning activity, the supporting materials required for the successful execution of the task, and the responses to the task from the students through student surveys. Other issues this case study addresses are considering assessment tasks for the specific needs of students and assisting students who are reluctant about using technology. The chapter presents a positive argument for using a blog tool for reflective practice and students chronically documenting a progressive task.