Blogs in Spanish beyond the classroom

This chapter explores pedagogical uses of blogs written in Spanish and available in the web as productive digital moments that expand and reorganize the second language (L2) learning experience. Using Sociocultural Theory (SCT) c(see Lantolf & Thorne, 2006) as an explanatory framework to understand L2 written and oral communication, I consider the importance of mindful cattention for development (see Salomon, 1991) and present two metaphors c(expansion and reorganization) for understanding blogs both as a rich locus cof communication and conceptualization and as a source of current unique texts for cultural, psychological, and social interpretation outside the classroom but only a digital click away for the L2 learner. A basic sociocultural topic-coriented heuristic for a reflective exploration of the Spanish-language blogosphere is provided so that Spanish teachers have a a sample pedagogical tool to offer to L2 learners. This study promotes meaningful utilization of Spanish-language blogs beyond the L2 classroom by recognizing blogs as a valuable sociocultural human activity.