Weblogs as a transformational technology for higher education and academic research
(http://weblogs.design.fh-aachen.de/owrede/publikationen/weblogs_and_discourse)

Blogtalk Conference Paper, Vienna, May 23rd-24th 2003
by Oliver Wrede

Abstract
This paper discusses different questions of weblogs in context of higher education. It is focussing on three loosly coupled questions:
1. How can the weblog format improve discourse?
2. How it can weblogs support teaching at universities?
3. What are the insitutional benefits of weblogs in universities?
It seems obvious that these questions relate to each other and probably should be discussed in context of each other. The document grew out of a wild collection of speculative thoughts and notes. It is also based on some daily experience with weblogs in an educational setting.
Contents
Introduction

1. Weblogs and discourse
1.1 Dissipative nature of discourse
1.2 Reading and comprehension
1.3 Speech acts
1.4 Narrative forms and weblogs types
1.5 Discourse tools
1.6 What weblogs offer for discourse

2. Weblogs and teaching
2.1 Students today: Cooperative and self-determined?
2.2 Hidden agenda of teaching
2.3 Learner-centered approach
2.4 What weblogs offer teaching

3. Weblogs and universities
3.1 What has changed?
3.2 Emergence
3.3 Organizational aspects
3.4 Upcoming research: Weblog-Campus

Footnotes, Credits, Links