Using Weblogs to Enhance Student LEarning In a Personal Health Classroom

Abstract

Twenty-first century students who belong to the net generation, are learning at an accelerated pace processing information much different than before. Web 2.0 tools used to enhance learning with the multi-process thinkers that need instantaneous feed back and constant stimulation. The purpose of this action research project is to develop and evaluate the use of an interactive blog to enhance the unit Surviving High School (SHS) in the ninth and tenth grade Personal Health Class at a large private high school. The incorporation of a blog, a Web 2.0 tool, allowed students to share their feelings and thoughts about class activities and videos. The target population of this study were ninth and tenth grade students at a large private school in Hawaii. Students were given prompts and questions to respond to in a discussion as well as respond to other classmates.Overall students were initially more motivated to complete discussions outside of class and seemed to take the classroom activities more seriously. Students seem to understand what it takes to survive high school.