As the average college student spends an increasing number of hours online each day, some Ohio University professors are working to incorporate the virtual world into the classroom.
Professor Elizabeth Thompson uses technology to supplement her English 250 Textual Analysis class. She uses Blackboard 7.3 as a repository for class materials and a student blogging forum as an alternative communication method.
Students use blog entries to comment on each day's assigned reading as well as their classmates' responses.
I'm pretty pleased with the quality of the analysis that I see in the blogs
Thompson said. They will often talk about things online that I hadn't thought about and that allows me to develop questions or discussions along those lines.
Blogging also provides a way for Thompson to assure that students are on the same page with each other, both literally and figuratively.
I think they are more eager to talk when they have prepared some thoughts beforehand and have the confidence that they are thinking about the same things their classmates are thinking about Thompson said.
Kyla Boertlein, a freshman studying English education, said the blogging provides additional opportunities for students to participate.
It definitely was helpful to see what other students thought about
Boertlein said. I think it fueled our classroom discussions. And for people who don't like to participate in class as much
it was a way for them to give their thoughts without having to raise their hand.
Although evaluations included a number of student complaints, Thompson agreed that the blogging is beneficial for both student and instructor.
When I look at the quality of the analysis it seems like they are enjoying it
she said. Students treat it as extra work they have to do before they get to class
but from my perspective it is really useful.
Despite the definitive benefits of the online blogging, concern of technological problems and the unequalled experience of teacher and student contact act as a deterrent, Thompson said.
I don't think I would welcome the idea of teaching exclusively online
she said. I think professors ought to embrace [technological advancements however]. I think variety and experimenting with different ways to reach out to students and create different learning environments is great.
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