---
title: "About journals"
slug: "about-journals"
updated: 2026-02-12T09:25:43Z
published: 2026-02-12T09:25:43Z
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://clickup-help.up.ac.za/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Journals

> Journals are personal spaces for students to communicate privately with you. (Think of it as a personal diary shared with you as lecturer.) Students can also use journals as a self-reflective tool. They can post their opinions, ideas, and concerns about the course, or discuss and analyze course-related materials.
>
:::(Info) (Take note)
If you want a group to reflect, create a group discussion.
:::
To create a journal activity:

1. Go to the place where you want to add the Ultra Document.
2. Click on the + sign.
3. Click on Create Item. </br>
![add_on_course_content](https://cdn.document360.io/8ea693b1-555d-4973-acf4-f29e9965c563/Images/Documentation/add_on_course_content.PNG)
</br>
4. Scroll down and select Journal.

This video explains how to populate the activity and the settings of the journal:
![Bb Help: Create a journal entry](https://vimeo.com/1043430940?fl=pl&fe=sh){height="480" width="640"}

[Read more ....](https://help.anthology.com/blackboard/instructor/en/interact-with-students/journals.html){target="_blank"}

:::(Warning) (Best Practice: Benefits of Reflective Learning)
> Students can use a journal or blog to collect observations, thoughts, concerns, notes, progress, and opinions that may not be shared otherwise. Writing can build rapport between instructors and students, contributing to a positive learning experience.
> As stated in an online article in Educause Quarterly, "Reflective learning can aid learners in synthesizing new information, and it is often used to improve reading comprehension, writing performance, and self-esteem via self-examination."1
:::
> Credit to Blackboard Help