In the second chapter of her book, Using Blogs to Enhance Literacy, Dianne Penrod discusses an important point about blogging and its effects on student learning, in that it encourages critical thinking. I wholeheartedly agree with this idea, and while Penrod asserts that this is certainly true for those doing the blogging, I think it works in more ways than just one to promote this important skill - that is, for both those who are doing the blogging as well as the audiences who follow those blogs.
Bloggers must use critical thinking skills as they gather the thoughts they wish to blog about, and as they search and sift through various sources of information that will ultimately help them elicit interest, engage, and in some cases- convince, the audiences they are seeking to attract. I doubt that a blogger would have much of a following if he/she merely stated the obvious/trivial/facts of the matter. Similarly, the audiences who read the blogs are often also encouraged to engage in critical thinking, particularly when they are invited to post questions and comments that may help them further explore the concepts being discussed, or just share their own thoughts/opinions on the matter (whether they agree or disagree!).
I have to admit, I would have never thought that blogging could be such a powerful literacy tool. But, thankfully, I learn something new just about every day:)
You made a really good point that I didn't even think about. Blogging is not only effective for the writer, but also for those that read it and comment on it. They have to, first off not only read it, but also think about a good and thoughtful response (which is so important). Critical thinking definitely comes into play for both sides of it. I think if a teacher monitors the quality of the comments that students can post, it can definitely require critical thinking.
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