Abstract:

Commenting on a weblog is one of the most striking features of the interactivity dimension made possible by Web 2.0. In addition to the dissemination of pupils’ texts, this dimension of interaction justifies the introduction of weblogs in educational settings. The pedagogical potential of weblogs raises some questions about comments, specifically concerning the functions they fulfil within a learning community.
In order to answer these questions, we performed an analysis of the comments on a weblog that was created in association with projects promoting the use of the Internet. This blog, Interescolas (Interschools), addresses a community of primary schools and mobilises a diversity of participants, namely pupils, teachers, and project monitors and coordinators. The results show a small number of comments per post and a limited depth of interaction, considering the development of conversations between the participants through comments. However, the cases that did occur reveal some strategies that promote interaction and its potential for learning.

Keywords:

Writing, interaction, weblogs, comment, primary education.