The word “blog” is a blended word based on the term Web log. A blog is maintained as a separate Web site or part of a site and includes regular entries. People use blogs to describe events or make commentary and they support their content with the use of video or graphics. When a blog is used, the most recent entry is usually listed at the top of the page, with older entries showing below it.

The interactive nature of a blog is what differentiates it from a regular Web site. Visitors can post comments or send messages to each other. This feature is also what makes a blog useful as a teaching method. A teacher can post a lesson with links to relevant topics in the news or videos providing further explanation. After reading the material, students can post questions to the teacher and engage in relevant conversations with other student posters. Through the process, an online community of learners develops.

Using a blog complements the lessons learned in the classroom. There is often not enough time to cover topics in detail, complete with multimedia lessons. Letting students read and learn more about a particular topic and relate it to everyday life reinforces the subject. Students enjoy spending time online so teachers should take advantage of this and encourage them to do something productive with their Web surfing.

Creating a blog is not difficult or time-consuming and does not cost any money. Free blogging software is available from vendors like Wordpress and Blogger. After learning more about these and selecting one, the teacher chooses a domain name and a theme for the blog. Additional customization options are available during this phase regarding the comment moderation process and other areas.

Once those few items have been taken care of, the teacher is ready to start blogging. Posting content to a blog is easy because the blog software walks the user though the process. After teachers have a comfort level with the blog, they can add feeds, plug-ins, and other items. RSS feeds distribute the blog to subscribers and plug-ins enhance blog features.

Any teacher should be able to use a blog for reinforcement of particularly important aspects of the curriculum. When some online marketing is implemented, a blog becomes more accessible to a wider audience. Students from schools around the world can read the contents and contribute to the conversation, enhancing the value of this tool.

Jaleh Mohsenin, Ph.D., the author of this article, is an educator, academic writer and coach. She is now sharing her how to make extra money ideas to supplement a single mothers income with others. If you need to make extra money, visit www.Internet-Marketing-Educator.com today for more information.