Just writing the title to this entry has bemused me. In the BA (Hons) Learning Techology Research course, blogs have been used as tools for T & L, but their use has not been formalised. Some staff run blogs, others don't. Some students use blogs related to the course, but its optional. Some staff and students have started blogs but found they do not suit their preferred styles. Because we already have very effective channels for online discussion, blogging is an extra option. I have often included items in this blog which are not suited to other communications; they are not the basis of discussions, but may be of interest to some people. Most of all, I have maintained this blog as a tool for thinking about my work and how it sometimes links with other aspects of life.

Today I've been asked if I'd be interested in a research study on blogs in teaching and learning. Perhaps it might be interesting - I haven't seen the proposal yet. I'm concerned that there may be a move to impose blogs in a course, not just the act of blogging but also the software. It makes me feel uncomfortable because its like being told at primary school that you must use a pencil because its better for your handwriting. The theory may be fine but its very boring.