The Power of Blogging - B. Matkovich

If you asked me four years ago about how powerful blogging could be, my answer would be very different than it is today. Back then I was not exposed to the enormous world of blogging and how much influence these platforms have in every niche of our world. From politics, to fashion, to the food industry, and even to the world of video gaming, there are professional bloggers who make a very comfortable full-time income blogging.

But blogging isn’t always about working with large retailers, acquiring sponsorships, or aligning with ad agencies to make money. Blogging is also a valuable skill and hobby that can make a powerful impact on our students both inside and outside of the classroom.

The act of blogging merely means to consistently update content online. There’s a hope that others online will consume (and hopefully enjoy!) your point-of-view, but just the act of consistently publishing content on any given topic counts as blogging.

So how can this simple forum help students?

For starters, blogging provides the chance for students to improve their technology skills. Setting up a blog often demands some knowledge of coding and website structure. Maintaining a blog provides writing, editorial, photography, and even social media skills depending on the blog’s structure and purpose. Although these are all valuable skills to master, blogging isn’t just about honing a student’s ability to write or use technology.

Blogging also allows students to share their honest opinions on any given topic. It’s a creative outlet that can be channeled into a specific topic while in the classroom, or a chance for students to share their perspectives, hobbies, or unique skills outside of the classroom. Once they share this content online, they can start making connections with other readers who genuinely enjoy that same topic. Making those authentic connections online can eventually turn into “real world” networking opportunities or even long-lasting friendships.

But blogging doesn’t only have to be based on expressing a point of view on a given topic either. It can also provide students with the chance to share their unique skills and hobbies with a larger online community who may be looking for more information on that specific topic. If you have ever googled or searched YouTube for tips on “how to cook this” or “how to fix that”, you are probably receiving that crash course compliments of a blogger. Our students are already experts in all kinds of unique topics, and blogging gives them the platform to share their expertise with a much larger audience.

There are so many incredible opportunities available in the world of blogging. Giving our students the chance to experiment with this forum provides them with a platform to feel empowered while simultaneously allowing them the chance to open the door and explore the amazing (and sometimes unexpected!) powers of blogging.  

Bridget Matkovich
Special Services Teacher
Carl Sandburg High School