Blogging: Enhancing Student Internship and Field-work Experiences

Janice M. Williams, BSDH, MS Presented at: Brightspace Ignite Regional User Forums

Murfreesboro, Tennessee February 13, 2015

Objectives

• By the end of this session, the participants will be able to:

1. Explain the benefits of blogging.

2. Discuss effective ways to encourage student blogging.

3. Explain the significance of staying connected with students in completing internships and field-work.

Blogging Benefits

• Web log or blog- a website on which someone writes about personal opinions, activities, and experiences.

• Gives the writer (blogger) a platform to freely express themselves.

• Usually, readers can comment and share their opinion as well.

Effective Ways to Blog

• Designate a site: Brightspace – WordPress, Blogger, CampusPress by Edublogs

– Admin can make it private

• Establish a criteria: Rubric – Vary according to instructor preference

– Encourages creativity

• Make it a requirement and attach it to student course grade. – Encourages participation and collaboration

Why Stay Connected with Students Through Blogging?

• Fosters a sense of social connectedness with student, classmates, and the instructor.

• Promotes student-peer support and collaborative dialogue.

• Encourages reflection and engagement.

• Extends the online classroom by providing a safe environment to publish student work.

• Easier to grade compared to traditional journaling.

Internship & Field-work Sites

• Private Dental Offices

– Nashville, Clarksville, and Murfreesboro

• Public Dental Clinics

– Interfaith Dental Clinic: Nashville & Murfreesboro

• Mobile Dental Clinic

– Hope Smiles Mobile Clinic

• TSU Dental Hygiene Clinic and Various Classes

Challenges

• Blog customization

• Attaching rubrics to the blog rather than gradebook – instructor use fluidity

• Privacy function within the course