Learning blog

What is a blog?

A blog is like an online diary where you write your reflections on life, work, hobbies, relationships, basically whatever you are interested in. A blog should be updated regularly with new posts and it’s also important to attract readers by linking to your blog as much as possible.

Why should teachers blog?

Blogging is a reflective process. You can write reflections on your teaching and subject, comment on interesting news, research and articles in your field and your blog can also become a living CV where colleagues, students and potential employers can get a good impression of your professional ability. You can also use your blog to test new ideas and to write about your research. A good blog can lead to new opportunities, invitations to join projects, invitations to speak at conferences and expanding your professional network in general.

Blogging in ONL

In this course we encourage all participants to write reflections on each course topic in their own blogs (please find information about course requirements at How to participate). Your blog posts should fulfill the following criteria:

  • A reflective post of at least 400 words with thoughts on the relevant topic
  • Include references to course literature and other relevant sources

A large part of the course focuses on group work but the blogs allow you to present your own thoughts. You are also encouraged to read and comment on your colleagues’ blog posts as much as possible.

How do I start a blog?

The two most common tools for blogging are WordPress and Blogger. WordPress is probably the most common blogging tool and has an enormous range of features so you can produce a very attractive blog if you are prepared to spend time on it. Blogger is owned by Google and if you have a Google account (g-mail) you automatically have access to Blogger. Both offer nice easy templates so you can create a blog and publish your first post in half an hour.

Remember that once you have started a blog it is impossible to find it in Google until people start visiting it, so make sure you tell as many people as possible the address to your blog!

Below you can also find some examples of educational blogs