STUDENT EXPERIENCES OF USING WEBLOGS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Abstract

Recently, attempts have been made to use Weblogs and other personal webpublishing technologies to support individual and social reflection in higher education. Weblogs can be highly individual and reflective in nature, and students’ experiences and perceptions of the technology and practice are of primary importance in furthering educational use. In this phenomenological study 8 participants who maintained Weblogs in a graduate course were interviewed. Initial data analysis indicates that participants found Weblogs helpful for learning, reflecting, and building a sense of community. However, participants expressed concerns over the lack of structure for Weblog usage and the public nature of the reflective process. Implications for future practical and research applications of Weblogs are presented.