Using Blogging Software to Provide Additional Writing Instruction

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Using Blogging Software to Provide Additional Writing Instruction
Language: English
Authors: Carver, Lin B., Todd, Carol
Source: Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education. Oct 2016 17(4):118-129.
Availability: Anadolu University. Office of the Rector, Eskisehir, 26470, Turkey. Tel: +90-222-335-34-53; Fax: +90-222-335-34-86; e-mail: rektor@anadolu.edu.tr; e-mail: TOJDE@anadolu.edu.tr; Web site: http://tojde.anadolu.edu.tr/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 12
Publication Date: 2016
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Education
Secondary Education
Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Teaching Methods, Writing Instruction, Electronic Publishing, Elementary School Teachers, Secondary School Teachers, Writing Processes, Barriers, Teacher Surveys, Journal Writing, Reflection, Teacher Attitudes, Learner Engagement, Teacher Student Relationship, Computer Mediated Communication, Keyboarding (Data Entry), Skill Development, Computer Software, Mixed Methods Research, Graduate Study, Essays, Likert Scales, Statistical Analysis
ISSN: 1302-6488
Abstract: Classroom teachers sometimes struggle trying to find time during the typical school day to provide the writing instruction students need to be successful. This study examined 29 fifth through twelfth grade classroom teachers' survey responses about their perception of the effectiveness of using an online blogging tool, Kidblog, to plan and provide writing instruction for a struggling writer through survey responses and reflective journal entries. In addition, qualitative data from 16 of the 29 teachers were collected through their journals. After eight weeks of using the blogging tool, teachers perceived the tool to be more effective than they had originally thought it would be. The teachers reported that they were able to evaluate their individual student's writing progress to determine next steps in writing instruction. They perceived that student engagement with the writing process increased during the study. Additionally, using an online format encouraged teachers to incorporate other online tools into their instruction. However, barriers to using the blogging tool were also identified. Teachers reported that they would have liked the opportunity for more face-to-face interaction with their students and they also indicated that students may need strong keyboarding skills to effectively use the Kidblog tool. Additionally, prior to implementing the tool, teachers identified practice should have been provided for the teachers, as some found the blogging software difficult to use.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 21
Entry Date: 2016
Accession Number: EJ1116834
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Classroom teachers sometimes struggle trying to find time during the typical school day to provide the writing instruction students need to be successful. This study examined 29 fifth through twelfth grade classroom teachers' survey responses about their perception of the effectiveness of using an online blogging tool, Kidblog, to plan and provide writing instruction for a struggling writer through survey responses and reflective journal entries. In addition, qualitative data from 16 of the 29 teachers were collected through their journals. After eight weeks of using the blogging tool, teachers perceived the tool to be more effective than they had originally thought it would be. The teachers reported that they were able to evaluate their individual student's writing progress to determine next steps in writing instruction. They perceived that student engagement with the writing process increased during the study. Additionally, using an online format encouraged teachers to incorporate other online tools into their instruction. However, barriers to using the blogging tool were also identified. Teachers reported that they would have liked the opportunity for more face-to-face interaction with their students and they also indicated that students may need strong keyboarding skills to effectively use the Kidblog tool. Additionally, prior to implementing the tool, teachers identified practice should have been provided for the teachers, as some found the blogging software difficult to use.
ISSN:1302-6488