Adopting organisation learning theory in the classroom: advancing learning through the use of blogging and self-reflection

an article by Margee Hume published in International Journal of Learning and Change Volume 6 Number 1/2 (2012)

Abstract

An examination of current literature found a rudimentary number of papers canvassing the role of online blogging in advancing student learning. This paper evaluates the use of online student blogs to increase learning outcomes for the lecturer and the student and offers an original approach to this important topic.

The paper examines students over four years including six semesters and their responses to the use of blogs and discussion boards as a key part of learning and reflection.

The paper adopts the classroom and the organisation and looks at how the blogging process moves students from a single-loop learning process to double-loop learning and reflection and enhances the learning and reflection for the educator. The paper adopts an organisational learning approach and demonstrates an increased student satisfaction as measured by student evaluations and increased self-reflection on content specific knowledge, improved individual learning and overall classroom learning.

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Blogs, news and credibility

an article by by Barrie Gunter, Vincent Campbell, Maria Touri and Rachel Gibson published in Aslib Proceedings Volume 61 Issue 2 (2009)

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the emergence of blogging in the news sphere. If blogs represent a genuinely new breed of news provision, then they should adhere to some of the founding principles of mainstream news and journalism. A key principle in this respect is news credibility.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a review of recent literature about news blogging and assesses whether news blogs manifest many of the core attributes of mainstream news and journalism. The review considers the attributes that have previously been identified as defining good quality news and competent journalism and then applies some of these principles to “news” blogging.

Findings
There is no doubt that blogs have emerged as news sources of increasing significance and there have been occasions when they can be influential in setting news agendas. The essential qualities of credibility and capturing public trust in the news sphere, however, often depends upon the established reputation of known news “brands”. Although some blogs have emerged as reliable information sources in some specialist areas, they have yet generally to assume the key characteristics of mainstream news that drive public trust.

Originality/value
This paper provides an up-to-date review of a topic that is rapidly developing and attempts to set out some foundations on which further analysis of news blogging can be constructed.

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Blogging – private becomes public and public becomes personalised : Table of...

an article by Barrie Gunter published in Aslib Proceedings Volume 61 Issue 2 (2009)

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to show how blogging has grown as an online phenomenon.
Design/methodology/approach
Examines the way that blogs have become a phenomenon that embrace private authors who go online to write personal diaries through to representatives from different types of commercial, political and voluntary organisations who utilise them for a range of information exchange, debating, promotional and support purposes.
Findings
As blogging grows as an online phenomenon its impact in areas such as news, politics, and social networking is being taken ever more seriously. While the Internet has been held up by governments as holding great economic and political promise, acting as a vehicle that can enhance public services, empower and engage citizens, and trigger new ways of doing business, the reality in terms of how it is actually applied can be poles apart from the ideal.
Originality/value
The paper provides an overview of blogging and introduces the papers in this special issue.

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I'm just going on a blogging holiday

Actually, I'm just back from a self-imposed break in writing in this blog but I couldn't resist the title.

The break from writing wasn't intentional, honest. I am finding that it is very easy to read through the 200+ (actually nearer 300) feeds in my reader and:

1. note those that I want to write about by copying the link to a new post and saving as a draft (which you don't get to see) either here or in the Business Information Blog;
2. click the appropriate button if I want to share something I've read without writing about it -- this takes a second and requires little effort on my part (lazy cow that I am);
3. email the link to
   - Dawn (Taylor) for inclusion in Members' Update,
   - my husband Martin who does all the IT maintenance work around here (just so he doesn't miss out on anything to do with data security although he has quite a lot of technical "stuff" in his own reader), or, maybe,
   - friends so that I share a particularly relevant "funny", book review or gadget; or
   - myself so that I can add something to my "how to" file; or
4. read and discard -- further action not required.

So, I've got things that are appropriate for writing about, either in draft from my reader or because I've been to an event and need to tell you about it, and the list is getting longer not shorter. A kick up the pants is what my mother would tell me was needed but since she is now long gone I have to try to kick myself -- or rather, in the language of today, provide self-motivation! Any ideas on how to do that would be good!