::: eblogs :::

Blogs can be used to document schhool projects as well as single learner's work.

Blogs allow discussions on any topic. The relevant function is the commentary one. It allows the users to add their opininons on articles. Another advantage is that communication is not restricted to classrooms only. Single pupils or groups of learners can communicate and interact with pupils and classes in other towns and countries.
However, there are disadvantages of the commentary function as well. Commentaries are restricted to text. No pictures or other sources can be added. If learners or teachers want to explain their comments with reference to other sources, they have to start a new article.

Blogs allow the presentation of nearly any school work or project. The advantage is that pupils can usually prepare their presentations themselves - with little or no help on the side of the teacher. A clear disadvantage is the restriction of functions and design. A content management system would offer the pupils certainly more chances to create and present their work. However, the installation and maintenance of a cms would put much more preparatory work on the teacher´s shoulders. The teacher also had to train his or her pupils in using a cms.

Communication via blogs is a very quick and cheap way to get in contact with someone at the other end of the world. However, this kind of communication is public. Therefore, it is not suitable for the exchange of private thoughts. On the other hand, communication via blogs allows more than just two persons to interact with one another. Thus, blog communication is very suitable for groups. In school it can be used to prepare and to document pupils´exchanges or to estabish pen friendships between classes.

Blogs can be used to prepare, to accompany or to finish novel reading in class. Please compare task one which can serve as an example.