While blogs and web pages can appear to be very similar, they are in fact quite different. To begin with, blogs are strictly internet based. None of the content is created from applications that are on one’s computer, unlike web pages which require web creative software. Blogs and web pages are also different in their appearance. The main format for a blog is a rolling column of reverse dated postings with a sidebar for links. Webpages have a great spectrum of formats based on the creativity of the creators. One last point is that blogs can have RSS feeds and tags for notifying/reading content updates and linking to other sources on similar topics, webpages do not include these features.

Within my TPACK (Technology, Pedagogy, and Content Knowledge) project for my MAET through Michigan State University, I plan to use this blog as a reflection forum on the implementation of iPortfolios within my visual arts and photography courses. Within the blog I will have links to my course website. The website will include embedded voice thread, photo galleries, and an additional student blog.

The use of these technologies will hopefully enhance my instructional practice and improve student learning. Embedding the technology within the curriculum framework will allow for new formats of portfolios from traditional collections of work. They will also help to reinforce visual arts concepts with my students through reflective writing, critiquing, and collaboration.