James Corazzo - Blogs - Good or Bad?

To start the blog debate off I decided to ask James (my tutor) a few question's about blogs.

The reason for this is, was that he set the brief for us to complete the blog so I thought I'd get his opinion's firstly.

Question and Answers;

1. Would you recommend that students produce a blog? If so why?

We have made it a requirement of a particular module. The rationale being that it has proved to be the most suitable method we have found so far (in terms of use) for a student to document their findings.

A blog can be used in many ways, but because of the diary-like nature of a blog one thing it does fairly well is encourage "reflective thinking". Being able to reflect – look back on and analyse your self, work etc. – is a key aspect to learning.

It is also a means to publish. Until very recently the routes to publishing your thoughts, idea, work, images etc. were strewn with obstacles. Publishing used to mean power. Because blogs are accessible to all and essentially free to set up they have the potential to open up the means to publish and reach an audience to anybody. This is a democratising tool, and generally good for society.

For a student they represent an opportunity to get your work out of your folder, the college, a plan chest and perhaps invite comment, interest or criticism. At the same time, we do not insist that students publish their work on blogs.

2. A lot of students aren't safe with putting there design's up on blogs due to the idea getting stolen. What would your opinion be on this?

I would like to see some evidence of this. What is more likely is students are ripping other peoples ideas off!

3. People see blogs as a way to publicize themselves and there work, but a lot of blogs don't get a lot of hits, so what should the purpose of a blog be?

I agree the internet must be jammed with unseen blogs. But you can make a blog entirely private,this doesn’t reduce its usefulness. If you want traffic you need to develop content that people want to engage with.

4. Finally, what's one positive and negative about having a blog?

Positive -– you can be exposed to things and people (and talk to them) across the globe.
Negative - Reading on screen still has its drawbacks.