Our main goal in the LOTE classroom is to have students communicate in the target language. Blogging is a useful tool that can be used to promote communication. The majority of students probably have not used blogging in their classes. The mere novelty of this activity makes it appealing to students. In addition, it would get students using the language outside of class in a more authentic manner. It would probably not be perceived as "contrived" like the more traditional assignments from worksheets and textbooks might be.
In the LOTE classroom, a question can be posed by the teacher and students can respond in the target language. Questions can target specific vocabulary being studied in class. The more controversial the topic, the more the students will be apt to write. It is my hope that students can speak their posts as well, if this is possible.
As students post their responses, they can also begin to comment on others' responses. I am hoping that students will put forth more effort knowing that both the teacher and their peers will be reading and responding to what they write.
11 years ago
