An exploratory study using weblogs as a learning and assessment tool in a Public Relations course

School of Communication, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, Taylor’s University  

^* Corresponding author: SheilaYvonne.Jayasainan@taylors.edu.my

Abstract

The study investigates the usefulness of weblogs in evaluating the understanding and performance of Public Relations (PR) learners. The study also explored PR leaners’ reactions towards using weblogs as a learning and assessment tool for their performance. Fifty undergraduate students from a private institution of higher learning in the Klang Valley participated in a semester-long weblog project. The task required students to complete eight weekly-writing reflection entries on the principles and practices of PR onto their individual weblogs. The results indicate that PR leaners’ understanding of the weekly topics improved with the use of weblogs. Moreover, 98% of the participants considered their blogging experience in PR-related topics positive. The majority of students believed that the weekly-writing reflections using weblogs constituted a good tool to showcase their learning process and help them reflect on their learning progress in a weblog-based environment. 96% welcomed the idea of employing blogs as an assessment tool. These results carry pedagogical implications in the use of technology for performance and assessment of PR learners.