Using blogs to develop and determine graduate competencies in an undergraduate business subject

Abstract

Graduate competencies are increasingly in demand from professional sectors, but with insufficient response from professional degree programs. This study examines the use of blogs as assessment in a first-year Bachelor of Business program. Three hundred and nine students responded to an online questionnaire exploring their perceptions of blog as a learning and assessment tool. Of particular focus were students' perceptions on ease of use, benefit and impact on the recognized graduate competency of writing skills. A regression model was applied to data analys in association between perception of improvement in the quality and quantity of the students' work (Q&Q) and several other variables. Results suggest a significant and complex relationship between participants' perception of the flexibility and benefit of the blog and three areas relevant to writing skills: self-reported improvement in writing, increased ownership of learning, and development of reflective skills. Implications for further research and practice are discussed.