To Blog or Not to Blog?Using blogs to enhance learning and teaching

Maisie Lynch, Parkdale High School August, 2009

Grab your cell phone or computer

• www.textthemob.com (need user id)

Participant survey:

• http://www.m.textthemob.com/id1075

The Hoos- Who blogs?

The Watts- What is Blogging?• Blog or “Weblog”- an easily created, easily

updateable Website that allows an author or authors to publish instantly to the Internet from any Internet connection.

• Can be interactive. • “Online Journal”

Let’s Look at Some Examples

Who’s Bloggin’ Who?• Using any search engine (google, yahoo, etc.)

find three blogs on any topic that interests you.• What type of information does the blog tell you?• What is the layout like?• Is it “interactive”- can you make comments?• Who is the author? Intended Audience?

Examples in Education

• http://lynchbiology.blogspot.com

• http://apcalc07.blogspot.com/

• http://missbakersbiologyclass.com/blog/

• http://strengthofweakties.org/

• http://itc.blogs.com/thewriteweblog/

The Wears- Where can I find blogs?

The Wens- When can you blog?

The Wise- Why should I blog?

• Class Portal

• Online Filing Cabinet

• E-Portfolio

• Collaborative Space

• Knowledge Management and Articulation

• School Website

The House- How do I blog?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetics

homework

links

creating posts

http://www.budtheteacher.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

1) Clear expectations- parents, students and administrators

2) Proper permissions- Acceptable Use Policy

3) Communicate Safety Precautions- What information is safe to post

www.blogger.com

www.edublogs.org

www.21classes.com

1. Choose blog host

2. Set up blog

3. Tweak settings- security, comments, etc.

4. Let intended audience know about your site

5. Start posting!!!

6. Update regularly

Let’s Practice Blogging

• www.blogger.com

• Add a post to:

http://cannotbelievesummerisoverandihavetositthroughthis.edublogs.org

Please take a moment

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=oWLsbXvgkTDgFbIWapIt8A_3d_3d