BloggingFor Teachers and Students

Today

You will learn: what blogging is how to create classroom blogs

What is a Blog

Short for Web Log Online journals or writing entries Chronological collection of

personal commentary and links Focuses on a particular subject

Social - (food politics, entertainment, news)

Educational – (book critiques, debates, questions and explanations)

Who’s Blogging Entertainment News Politics Educators Moms

Group blogs Family blogs Community

blogs Corporate blogs WarBlogs LibLogs EduBlogs

Show Me the Blogs

supportblogging.com http://supportblogging.com/

Links+to+School+Bloggers

How can I use Blogs? Post class-related information

(calendars, events, homework, etc.) Communicate with parents Gather/organize Internet resources as

links Post photos/comments on class activities Publish examples of good student work Create an online book club Link your class with another class

In VA Elsewhere in the world

How can my Students use Blogs? Reflect on reading or classroom

discussions Investigate topics online and then

report on research Talk about shared classroom

experiences or current events Copy & Paste thought provoking quotes

from other blogs Invite discussion

Ask professional writers or subject matter experts to edit class blogs or provide feedback

Benefits of Classroom Blogging

Kids LOVE blogging!

Virtual chatting is motivational!

Innovative way to engage

reflective writing

Provides ownership

More of an audience than just a teacher

Others can respond and provide feedback

Lack of reading/writing

skills=

Lack of interest inreading/writing

Start Small

Start blogging on your own first Start a class blog

Simple announcements, homework, external links

Ask students to read other blogs Ask students to respond to posts

on your own blog Have students create and

maintain group blog

How

Create an account Name your blog Choose a template Write and Submit your first Post

Edublogs.org

Writing is the END POINT

Read blogs first Engage students with:

content authors of what they’ve read

Reflect, Criticize, Question, and React

Then…

Blogging Do’s

Get parental permission Follow LCPS AUP Avoid blogs that require personal

information Teach students what is

appropriate Teach tone and respect for

others’ ideas/opinions Have clear expectations, rules,

and consequences