There are numerous advantages of using blogs while doing a business, since blogs can facilitate in one's business prosperity. Even if it might seem difficult to write a blog, may argue that this will undoubtedly boost the chances for success (DeMers). The most important thing the blog does is that it suggests more opportunities for the product to be suggested to the potential clients by the search engines (DeMers). Also, blogs make the brand look more personal, they give a possibility to distribute information, and help while building inward connections. Apart from that, blogs make it possible to receive useful feedback and to keep the business up-to-date (DeMers).
Benefits of using blogs in the classroom
Apart from being an entertaining thing, classroom blogs provide ample advantages for students, teachers, and parents. The most important one is that blogs provide opportunities for developing one's social techniques and courage (Morris). Also, educational blogs develop the students' literacy skills and inspire them to apply creative thinking while writing (Morris). A rather fruitful outcome of blogging in the classroom is the possibility to connect school and home, that is, to let parents know about the school life. Finally, a classroom blog gives opportunities for the students to communicate with many people all over the country and the world (Morris).
Limitations of using blogs in business
As well as suggesting a lot of benefits, blogging in business has its disadvantages. First of all, if the employees are undereducated about the blog strategies or if they cannot answer the negative comments rather fast, it may harm the business dramatically (Van Rensselar). Also, serious damage may be done if the security is broken or if the business' reputation is damaged through improper blog data (Van Rensselar). Less difficult issues include the need of constant updating and working on the blog (which means much time dedication) and consistent care concerning not letting the reputation of the business suffer from improper blogging (Van Rensselar).
Limitations of using blogs in the classroom
Along with being a powerful communication tool, classroom blogging hides threats in itself which should be taken into consideration before starting it. The first danger concerns the access to the private information via blogs. If the students post any personal data, it may be seen by anyone on the internet and it may be used in a harmful way against them (Chu). Also, the students may get distracted because of the blog. Another thing is that while writing skills are improved, blogging deprives from development of speaking and listening skills (Chu). Above all, keeping a classroom blog is a big challenge for a teacher, as it requires a lot of time and dedication (Chu).
Instructional applications of using blogs in business
There are things which, if applied in the process of creating a business blog, will make it successful and bring clients and profits for the business. The first advice is to keep in mind one's primary audience and make the blog useful and appealing for the customers and not for oneself (Sanusi). Also, the content of the blog should be well planned and contain the information which may attract the client. Not less important in constant updating of the blog, which makes the search engines notice it better (Sanusi). Other tips include maintaining the suitable word count and keeping track of the blog activity (Sanusi).
Instructional applications of using blogs in the classroom
Recent research has shown that blogging is applied more and more often in the education. There are various types of educational blogs: student blogs, teachers' personal blogs, platforms for various tasks and notices, ePortfolios, and classroom blogs (Wallagher), all of which contribute into creating a positive educational atmosphere. There are certain basic instructions for using blogs in the classroom. First and foremost, privacy should be thoroughly concerned (Wallagher). Also, the teacher should be careful about the content and the quality of the blog. The necessary instruments such as spam blocking should be implemented (Wallagher). The basic advice is to start small, but creative, and then the blog will become useful and successful soon (Wallagher).
Reference list
Chu, J. (2011, Feb. 3). Advantages and disadvantages of using blogs and Wikis in education. [Web log comment]. Retrieved from http://juliachu5200.blogspot.ru/2011/02/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-using.html
DeMers, J. (2015, May 28). The top 10 benefits of blogging on your website. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/jaysondemers/2015/05/28/the-top-10-benefits-of-blogging-on-your-website/#3ca2621f5b65
Morris, K. (2013, May 27). The benefits of educational blogging. ABC Splash. Retrieved from http://splash.abc.net.au/newsandarticles/blog?id=138409
Sanusi, A. (2014, Jun. 24). How to write a successful blog that also promotes your business. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/small-business-network/2013/apr/30/how-to-write-a-business-blog
Van Rensselar, J. (n. d.). The pros and cons of business blogging. Business Know-How. Retrieved from http://www.businessknowhow.com/internet/blogrisks.htm
Wallagher, M. (2015, Sep. 8). How blogging is being used in the classroom today: research results. EmergingEdTech. Retrieved from http://www.emergingedtech.com/2015/09/the-state-of-blogging-in-the-classroom/
