Blogs
Introduction
Watch this 4+ minute video for background on why we are even talking about blogs today! The internet has moved into a new phase often referred to as Web 2.0 (an interactive web that invites us to write and create, as well as to read).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gmP4nk0EOE
What is a Blog?
A blog is a "weblog" or public online journal that
- is updated regularly
- places content in reverse chronological order
- is subscribeable
- requires no knowledge of html or web authoring/publishing
- offers one-click publishing
- allows others to comment on posts, i.e., creating interaction
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN2I1pWXjXI
Why should I care?
- Opportunity to build relationships and connections with:
- students,
- other teachers,
- parents,
- 'experts' in the field
- Archived entries make a permanent record of content
- Excellent method for modeling communication and writing skills
- Might serve as the appropriate and relevant instructional tool for your classroom and/or project
Show Me Some Sample Blogs!
- Teacher Blogs
- Vicki Davis - Cool Cat Teacher
- Clarence Fisher - Remote Access
- Student/Classroom Blogs
- Darren Kuropatwa's Applied Math class
- Eric Lanhorst's History class' Guerilla Season Book blog
- Miscellaneous Blogs
- Spiral Notebook
- Chris Lehman - Practical Theory
How Do I Start?
- Determine your purpose:
- Information only
- Collection of links
- Reflective practice
- Classroom extension or project
- Get your own blog! Find a blogging software that works for you - most of the blog sites offer blogs for free (which is always a good thing!). There are a few that are specifically focused on educators and often offer more security layers.
- Blogger is a general blog site and is very easy to use. This is a nice step-by-step reference on setting up your blog - Set up a Blog. I've been using Blogger for my three blogs and have no complaints! Coleman's Expressions is a blog I started for one of my online courses and then continued for another - unfortunately, I've not made the time to continue it recently...
- Edublogs - here's a Screencast to learn how to manipulate the blog once you've requested an account.
- WordPress
- Class Blogmeister provides a lot of protection if you are concerned about negative or inappropriate comments. It is hosted by David Warlick, an edublogger who writes a lot about blogging in public K-12 education. Vicki Davis has an instructional posting on how to set up class blogs using Blogmeister here.
- Post regularly - not only for your readers, but for you!
- Publicize your blog - spread the word!
Blog Resources