Personal Blogs

I was introduced to blogging during H800. At first, I was not comfortable writing blog. But gradually I found it useful in many ways. Initially I kept my blog personal, but gradually I started sharing it with other classmates. I not only managed blog on OU website but also created external blog. I have the following tips for the students from my personal experience

1. I raised critical debates, clarify concepts and share my standing point with confidence (Downes, 2006). You can also use blog for the same reason!

2. It helped me to collect others viewpoints for EMA. You can use blog to collect viewpoints from the classmates for TMA and EMA.

3. I collected web links at one place and shared with my classmates

4. I wrote reflective journal. You can also maintain a personal journal/diary as blog

5. I shared my personal endeavors with others such as social activities.

6. I also used it for some activities in the module H800.

7. You can setup blogs to share your learning practices with global communities

Drawbacks: I received few replies on OU blog. At some point, I felt disengaged to continue writing blog on OU website, but my tutor encouraged me to keep on writing personal reflective diary. I advise you not to lose hope! Take it as a learning challenge for your personal growth and development. You can either keep your blog personal or share it with others, its up to you. 

I also advice new students to keep blogging and engage other participants by sharing blog link on the discussion forum. Try to actively comment on others blogs too. Make different folders for managing different types of educational blogs