To Blog or Not To Blog: that is the question.

This reflection started with the question: In what ways has blogging enhanced your learning experience? I am not convinced that blogging has had or would have a significant impact on my learning experience for any particular class or event. Reflections on questions and experiences can be communicated through many media (DiscussionBoards, word documents or paper-based journals). The fact that the reflections were on a blog site did not have a specific effect, positive or negative, on reflection content.
The availability of social networking sites is one use of modern technology that will likely be around for a long time. Blogs and other media created for sharing personal reflection will always raise the questions of acccurate content and appropriate communication. If sharing resources are completely open and people are completely honest about their personal opinions, there is a high likelihood that an oppossing opinion will be offended and raise concerns. If opinion sharing resources are restricted or limited in some way, how much do they reflect the actual opinions as opposed to communication that fits the restrictions and may, therefore, not be a true reflection of actual opinions? The definition of blogging has yet to be solidified in the social conscience. Debate rages about whether blogs require comments and reciprocal communication in order to be considered true blogs. If a person blogs and does not allow comment on the blog, are they engaging in communication? Does all communication have to be bi-directional to be valid? There are many questions, but not many difinitive answers. Answers which have been offered are a matter of opinion or conjecture. That being said, I am hesitant to advocate for this source of sharing; especially when other, more trusted and secure methods are available.
In my opinion, an added blogging requirement for a class may add confusion to the assignment requirements of the class. Four different media and four different sites (blogger.com, Discussion board, assignment module, and print)for different assignments could make keeping track of which assignment is due at what time and in which place detract from opportunities to focus on the subject matter. Following sllybus charts, emails, discussion boards and PowerPoint presentations about assignments may take time away from reading material related to the subject matter of the class. I would recommend streamlining this process. If blogging is a medium that is preferred for student reflection and response, then it should, at the least, be the singular place for the expressions.