Social software as support in hybrid learning environments: The value of the blog as a tool for reflective learning and peer support

Hall, Hazel; Davison, Brian

Abstract

This article reports on an investigation of blog technology's potential for encouraging interaction between students, and its consequences in terms of peer learning and peer support, on a module of an accredited library and information science (LIS) degree program. The findings consider the treatment of blogs in the domain of LIS with particular reference to educational settings. Content analysis revealed that blogs offer comparable and additional benefits to other projects designed to encourage reflective engagement with teaching material, such as learning journals. Most notable is the level of shared peer support evident in the online discussions between class members. The findings of this study are of particular interest to LIS educators who seek to develop their consideration of blogs in the classroom; blogs may be seen as learning tools in their own right and not simply an option for providing information online.

Citation

Hall, H., & Davison, B. (2007). Social software as support in hybrid learning environments: The value of the blog as a tool for reflective learning and peer support. Library and Information Science Research, 29(2), 163-187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2007.04.007

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2007-06
• Deposit Date: Apr 25, 2008
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 25, 2008
• Journal: Library and Information Science Research
• Print ISSN: 0740-8188
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 29
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 163-187
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2007.04.007
• Keywords: blog's; blog technology; peer learning; peer support; online learning; online discussion; learning tools
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/2187
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2007.04.007
• Contract Date: Apr 25, 2008