Create a class publication
One of the most engaging and powerful ways to use a class blog is to have students produce content for a real-world audience. To get things started, all you have to do is determine a focus for your blog. Then, your students will make the magic happen, engaging with your content deeply and authentically. For example, a critical thinking class could evaluate arguments in the media, and each student’s blog post could present a unique critique. Also, a literature class could ask students to post reviews or textual analyses of the books that they are reading.
Establish collaborative spaces
Blogs can also be used as a dynamic space for class or small group collaboration. The collaboration can take the form of a homework help site or a project planning site. Students can comment and share ideas on teacher- or student-generated posts. With plugins like discussion forums, wikis, forms, and chats, there are countless opportunities to discuss and share.
Organize team projects
If your students work collaboratively on a project, they can display their final results in a team-generated blog. Students can create pages to show off multimedia creations and written work. The students’ final product can be a fully functional website. Awesome, right?
Share course materials, news, links, and more
A Sites@GSU blog can act as a resource hub for your students. Share links to helpful websites or post links to your PowerPoints or other files so that students can access them at any time. You can also post important announcements or opportunities for your students.
Create a space for students to share links and materials
Instead of using your blog to share material that you curate, you can use your blog as a space for students to share course-related material that they discover and create. For example, students might find videos or infographics that help illustrate important concepts. They can share what they find and categorize and tag their posts. This will ensure that your blog will be useful from semester to semester.