The document discusses increasing student participation in blogging by addressing barriers and providing incentives. It identifies two types of blog participation: writing to solidify knowledge and develop communication skills, and responding to ask questions and develop relationships. Benefits include understanding one's field and becoming part of the scientific community. Challenges include time and expertise, so the document suggests incentivizing blogging through credit or competitions to increase participation while maintaining responsible use.

1. Increasing Student Blog Participation Jeff Marlow Imperial College 30 August 2008

3. 1. Writing Benefits Incentives ∙ Solidify knowledge through explanation ∙ Become a member of scientific community ∙ Develop the skill of communicating research ∙ Understand the state of your field ∙ Blogging for credit ∙ Competitions

4. 2. Responding ∙ Ask clarification questions ∙ Develop relationships with potential mentors / advisors ∙ Require quotations ∙ Tailor assignments Benefits Incentives

5. Benefits of access without the risks

6. ∙ Bibliography litmus test ∙ Responsible use ∙ Incentivization Challenges

7. Good and Bad Blog Use

8. Bad: Mandatory course “online communities”

9. Expedition Blogs Good: