The educational system is constantly adapting and changing, looking for the latest trend or quickest solution to a problem. However, blogging is a worthwhile long-term investment worthy of implementing into your curriculum or teaching plan.

Students who participate in educational blogging are undertaking a commitment to work on their studies on a more in-depth level than simple rote memorization cannot offer. Additionally, the skills students learn with blogging will benefit them in their future educational efforts as well as future careers.

We’ve compiled a list of the most important aspects to consider when making the decision to implement online blogging into your educational plan.

1. Blogging Helps Students Adapt to Technology

Incorporating technology into education raises performance by 9%

Technology is used throughout everyday life, it should be put to use in academics since studies have shown it raises performance by 9%

It seems like everywhere we look, we see a new invention. Children are beginning to rely on computers at younger and younger ages, and while many view this as a negative, when used correctly technology can serve as a powerful education tool. Students have an astonishingly vast array of knowledge available at the click of a button, allowing them to accomplish more in less time and find information relevant to their specific interests. Educational blogs can direct young peoples’ love for technology toward the productive goal of improving their academic performance. For example, a 12-year study by the Department of Education discovered that online students rank a full 9% higher on average than students educated solely through traditional schooling. Computers are a tool that students already use daily, so it is only logical to use them for education.

2. Blogging Can Help Students Sleep More

Less than 15% of students receive enough sleep, virtual education through blogging can allow start times to be pushed back

According to recent studies, sleep deprivation has become a major problem for today’s students. Less than 15% of high school students get the recommended 8.5 hours of sleep, and on all grade levels chronic lack of sleep causes academic difficulties, behavior problems, and physical health risks. In contrast with traditional education, blogs are accessible 24/7, allowing students much greater flexibility for studying and completing work when they are at their peak and not fatigued. In addition, since online learning does away with the need for commuting, so students can always connect with teachers and classmates from anywhere with internet access.

3. Blogging Can Reduce Cost & Increase Access

Virtual education through blogging does not require the physical demand of printing books, allowing greater access to the impoverished and cost reduction

School textbooks high cost from printing and distributing physical textbooks. Online education means more students have access to quality educational material even in areas with a limited budget. In addition, students may access a wider variety of subjects not offered in the traditional school setting. Through the power of the internet, students can learn about fields as diverse as veterinary science and the fashion industry, and can take Advance Placements courses that require specialized instructors.

4. Blogging Helps Develop Communication Skills

Communicating through blogging allows students to practice critical social skills

The use of language sets us apart from all other species on the planet, but in our fast pace modern society, sometimes the nurturing of those skills is neglected. Too often the traditional classroom setting does not give students enough opportunities to improve practical communication skills. Educational blogging can help teach students to use words in the appropriate context, learn how to give and take constructive feedback, and carry on productive discussions about the class subject matter. Students are able make comments, correspond through email, and develop bonds through shared interests.

5. Blogging Promotes Diversity

Studies have shown classroom diversity promotes creativity and problem solving skills.

Because online education is not limited by distance, students can experience greater diversity than in a typical classroom setting. Blogging can provide opportunities for students from different cultures, religions, ethnic backgrounds, and nationalities to interact and contribute their own unique perspectives and life experiences, regardless of where they live.

Research has shown that such diversity offers many benefits including increased creativity and improved problem solving, and this translates to higher productivity both in and outside of the academic environment. Moreover, exposure to diversity from an early age broadens students’ horizons and helps instill a sense of acceptance that is crucial for our increasingly connected global society.

6. Blogging Enables Student Individuality

Creativity and personal identity develop as students explore aspects of their own interests

Teachers are often overwhelmed with too many students and not enough time in the day, which can cause students to feel neglected as their unique personalities and interests may be overlooked. In the traditional classroom, activities cannot be completely customized for each student, but with blogging, students can keep individual blogs showcasing their personal interests. The writing prompts and media projects allow more flexibility than the traditional vocabulary cards and poster projects. In addition, the opportunities to work with multimedia allow a student to explore their creativity in depth and discover their own personality to a greater extent.

7. Blogging Helps Motivate Students

As peers monitor work, students become more encouraged to perform well

In the traditional classroom, the student turns in an assignment and receives a grade from the teacher. Through a blog, students can comment on each others work. This fosters a sense of healthy competition, as students are motivated not only by the goal of getting a good grade, but by the opinions and feedback of their peers. This will affect not only their written material, but also the decorative and personalized aspect of their blogs.

8. Blogging Brings Parents into the Curriculum

Parents can monitor students progress without taking time of work to visit a school

In today’s society, it has become the standard for all of the adult members of the household to have a full time career. This can present difficulties when it comes to monitoring student’s academic progress and meeting with teachers. With online education, parents can easily check on their children’s academics and correspond with teachers, without the need to interrupt their work schedule or take a day off.

9. Blogging Develops Valuable Tech Skills

Skills such as Java Script, Microsoft Excel, and Photoshop develop from educational blogging

When you first get online what do you immediately check? Facebook? Personal email? Instagram? Much of our use of computers and the internet centers on social and recreational activity, but there is another side to technology that is often overlooked. Computer proficiency is fast growing necessity, and online education helps develop skills with tools like Microsoft Word and Excel, PowerPoint, Java Script, Photoshop, and other essential applications. Students already use computers for recreational purposes, but through educational blogging they can also learn more valuable skills that will benefit them for many years to come, in both their professional and personal lives

10. Blogging Brings Health Benefits

Sleep deprivation can cause hindered learning abilities and forgetfulness

Studies have shown that less than 15% of high school students receive the necessary 8 ½ hours of sleep on school nights. While blogging does not directly allow a student to achieve more sleep, it allows students to work when they are most refreshed and able to demonstrate their intelligence.

Negative consequences of sleep deprivation include:

• Hindered ability to learn, listen, concentrate and solve problems.
• Forgetting important information like names, numbers, your homework or a date.
• Impatience with teachers or family members
• Impaired driving ability
• The consequences continue into health as it can affect wellness, weight, and the immune system.

Several studies have proposed the theory that classroom start times can be pushed back with the assistance of virtual education and blogging. Since blogging allows students to have access to their material and submit assignments 24/7, the need to begin the instructional day at 7am is lessened.
A study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics confirmed that with 40% of schools starting before 8am, many students are suffering intolerable health risks.