The Difference Between Blogs and Discussion Boards in Adult Learning

 Is blogging the same as discussion board activity for a SDLer (self-directed learner)?

When considering whether or not a discussion board activity is the same as a blog for a self-directed learner, in some ways you can make an argument for each side.  Because technically as bloggers in this course we are expected to comment on others blogs and give feedback, in some ways it is essentially the same assignment as our typical discussion boards.  However, blogging opens up a whole new space for creativity and individuality in my opinion.  Working in CANVAS or any other online learning platform, you do not have the space or capability to create layouts, themes, or sometimes incorporate visual elements into your discussion posts.  On a blog, the possibilities are endless.  If you want your blog to look or feel a certain way, you can do that.  You can make your blog stand out from others with your personal creativity.  

Online blogging has really taken off over the last 20 years, and the blogs are spread out over so many different topics.  There are many educational blogs, some even covering online adult learning.  According to "That's online writing, not boring school writing": writing with blogs and the Talkback Project by Shelbie Witte, "by combining writing with online technology, teachers can provide opportunities for students and future educators to develop their digital fluency while also strengthening their traditional literacy skills.  (Witte, 2007).  While this blog post is now over a decade old, the statement still holds true today.  Blogging is definitely a way to get students more interested in writing, and show off their own creativity in the process.  So technically, I do not think that blogging is the exact same as a discussion board activity for a self directed learner, but I do think they can be utilized for the same purpose.  


Sources:

Witte, S. (2007). "That's online writing, not boring school writing": writing with blogs and the Talkback Project. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 51(2), 92+. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A170234041/EAIM?u=ksu&sid=bookmark-EAIM&xid=5b39f19d

Oliver, K. H. and Coble, R. R.,(2016). Teaching with Blogs. Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching. https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/teaching-with-blogs

Comments

  1. ANovember 5, 2021 at 6:08 AM

    Hello. I agree with your points. One thing that I was struck with in the article by Shelbie Witte is that students felt having an outlet to others beyond their classroom was important. They also saw a disconnect between the writing they wanted to do and the writing they were assigned to do. We have that situation in our class right now don't we? You and I both mentioned that this was an assignment and it has me wondering about what Dr. Kang will have us do next. I will also say that without the requirement I would not be blogging again, so Dr. Kang's assignment does push me forward. That is the balance with self-directed learners -- directing them to push beyond their current limits in a formal class while also allowing for choice, motivation, and interest.

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  2. AaronNovember 5, 2021 at 9:07 AM

    You raise a really good point about this assignment and the consideration of discussion boards vs. blogs. I never really considered the "forced" point of this exercise until you mentioned it. I now see it in another blog as well.

    For this exercise to truly be more self-directed, maybe it should be that each student writes a blog. In response, read fellow student blogs and comment if you feel moved by the topic/content or if you wish to gain more clarification or provide a perspective. Then that actually allows for more SDL. This format does mirror a discussion board in just a different format. Strong point.

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  3. Elizabeth HealyNovember 6, 2021 at 8:41 AM

    I completely agree that creativity and digital literacy are two of the main differences between using a discussion board versus a blog. The ownership of our blogs does provide opportunity for creative design elements. However, we all seem to agree that creativity with writing would require freedom of topic and content. When the requirements of the discussion board are brought to the educational blog, some of the benefits of blogging are limited, which include some of the self-directed aspects.

    In the Witte (2007) article the student referred to online writing versus boring classroom writing. Part of what likely made the classroom writing uninteresting to the student was the assigned, controlled, required aspect of schoolwork. This can’t necessarily be changed, as it is part of school to have certain activities required to display learning. So, the article focuses on digital literacy. The conclusion is that schools can “shrink the technology gap and better prepare students to become citizens of a global society (Witte, 2007, p. 96) We are in a technology class, so it seems to me that the purpose of moving us to blog versus discussion board is also all about technology exposure.

    Sources:
    Witte, S. (2007). That's online writing, not boring school writing: Writing with blogs and the Talkback Project. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy. 51(2), 92-96. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A170234041/EAIM?u=ksu&sid=bookmark-EAIM&xid=5b39f19d

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