"Blogging: Pros and Cons for Adult Learners"

When it comes to blogging in the classroom it is important to realize that it can be a challenge for some students, and for others it might be a very rewarding journey.   Knowles (1970, 1980) asserted that adults have a deeply embedded need to be self-directed through learning that addresses real-life problems or situations encountered at home or on the job.  Using blogging to supplement what is being learned in the classroom, and relating it to real life experiences can give the learners the opportunity to apply new skills to real life experiences.  Through this expansion of knowledge and skills students can share with each other and make comments on other students posts. By doing activity all the students who participate in the blogging process expand experiences and knowledge.  Through blogging students can support and challenge each other, just as they do in the traditional classroom.  Students can use this somewhat anonymous activity to share knowledge, skills and experiences with each other.  Participants in a blogging activity can ask questions and make comments that will support fellow students, or further clarify knowledge gained from a class assignment. Because of the skill levels required in a online blogging assignments, students will have to have a higher skill in technology than in a traditions class.  Students who do not have this additional skill level may become frustrated and become less participatory in class.  Becoming frustrated these students will become less responsive and may even drop out.  Because of the frustration students may give up completely drop out of the class.  Without improving their skills they may avoid future classes with the same required skills. Though blogging responses to a posted question by the instructor, the instructor can judge rather student have read the assignments and understands what is the intended knowledge outcome has been achieved.  A students comprehension and learning outcome can be evaluated in their online responses to activities and posted questions.  

There is also a down side to this method of class participation and responses to posted questions, if a student does not have the required technology skills they may become frustrated with the process.  Without the appropriate knowledge and skills the student may become overwhelmed with the initial process and will not be able to respond in the appropriate way.  Students who are unfamiliar with this type of technology, the skills that are required to participate in blogging activities may require skills at a skill level the student can not adequately participate in class discussions and activities.  Students who participate in a class that is going to involve blogging, may need to be informed ahead of the actual skills involved so that they have the opportunity to decide, if they have the necessary skills to participate in the class.