Blogging a new teaching tool

RIVERSIDE, Ohio (WDTN) - Blogging or on-line journaling has become a popular way for people to express themselves and one school district is using it as a learning tool.

Blogging may not be as popular as posting an update on Facebook or tweeting a message on Twitter with teens, but a local teacher says the on-line medium can be a valuable learning tool.

Stebbins High School teacher, Eric Spahr, is encouraging seniors in his Information Technology Class to blog their experiences about their senior year.

He says students not only share their everyday angst like getting ready for school or Homecoming, but they're also relaying their stresses like dating, picking a college and generally preparing for life after high school.

He says while learning how to incorporate all aspects of social media, sharing these typical high school experiences can give a better understanding to underclassmen as well as teachers and the community.

"When you're able to take the digital media, the social media and employ that into the classroom, kids are more engaged and more motivated to learn," said Eric Spahr, Stebbins teacher.

"I think it's something that can help the school be able to know how we can better prepare for their senior year I think it will help the juniors and all the underclassmen as well," said Autumn Cook, Multi-media student.

"I want them to get some advice or guidance through their senior year. I want them to know what to look forward to what is common for other people to go through," said Trent Lucas, blogging senior.

Be sure to watch School Patrol today at 5:00 for more.