The Good, the Bad and the Question

            Honesty is the best policy.
            There are several positive sides to blogging as homework.  The basic fact that so many students like this format is that it is quick.  Access to interesting websites and information is almost instantaneous.  Keeping track of Facebook drama and doing homework is a multi-tasking student’s dream come true.  This format allows for flexibility in scheduling assignments and is a refreshing change from the usual sit, read and write.
            The informality of blogging allows students to type their ideas as they come to mind.  Several of the questions were emotional in nature, such as the stereotype assignment, and students were able to relay first-hand experiences along with a review of stereotypes found in history.  Also, reading other people’s thoughts and ideas, through shared access, gives students an inside glimpse of the history of the writer’s own background.  It was interesting to read all viewpoints, whether conservative or liberal, religious or secular, or determine if the student was actually interested in the topic, or not.
            As for the environmental greenness of blogging, that is debatable and difficult to answer definitively.  On the surface, it would seem that not using paper would be the best choice.  But, it is important to keep in mind that the computer manufacturing process is incredibly destructive to the environment, computers are almost obsolete the moment they hit the store shelves, and recycling is hazardous and not cost-efficient at this time.  Paper, on the other hand, if used sparingly, can be made of recycled material, optimally come from a sustainable tree farm, and can be recycled easily and cost effectively.  Another question to ponder…
            Apparent immediately are a few negative sides to blogging.  Although some students have incredible ideas to share, the misspelled words and incomplete sentences make it almost impossible to understand what they are trying to communicate.  It seems a waste of time to share the incomprehensible.
            Understanding that this is a US History class and that certain major events shaped our country is important, but it would be refreshing to have questions that are not so basic.  Most students have been writing about slavery, the Oregon Trail and the Civil Rights Movement since first grade.  Researching more obscure, but important topics might provide students with a new insight.  Or, asking students to put themselves in the shoes of a Confederate soldier, or the owner of a textile mill, would give them a new perspective.  There are two sides to every story, whether they are good or bad.
            Overall, the blogging assessment system has been a unique experience that has the potential to expose students to information that might otherwise have gone unread in a text book.  It also allows students to add their own opinions and to share those opinions with others.  It has been an enjoyable experience.