Using B.L.O.G.S.: the deployment of blended learning to orient graduate study

Abstract

This paper is a proposal for the strategic and structured blending of online and face-toface learning modalities in higher education. It specifically explores the possibilities for the effective use of web logs or blogs in combination with classroom sessions at the level of graduate study. The paper posits the application of blogging as a practice for enabling graduate research writing, as a practice for supporting the development of research writing skills among new/first-year graduate students.

The paper looks at a marriage of
1) blogging,
2) classroom active learning sessions that focus on research writing and
3) assessment fordevelopment strategies. In doing so, the paper makes a dual case: a case for using blogs, and simultaneously, a case for using B.L.O.G.S., that is, for the deployment of Blended Learning to Orient Graduate Study.