A blog (weblog) is a type
of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of
commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics
or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological
order. Blogs can include audio clips, video clips and pictures. You can
can make your blogs private or public and invite readers to follow your
blog using RSS feeds.
Blogging encourages writing,
communication, organization and individual voice. Blogging in the
classroom helps students realize that information found in blogs must
be carefully
scrutinized, particularly if it will reach a wide audience of readers.
Though they may not be entirely aware of it, students are already
casually blogging through myspace, facebook,
and a variety of social networking tools with ease. Incorporating
blogging into the classroom and setting higher standards for blog
posting is an effective use of technology for expanding learning
opportunities for all students.
How To Instructions for Setting up a Blog:
The video below is a tutorial that briefly describes the steps required to set up a blog using www.blogger.com.
Troubleshooting:
When
you sign up for a blogger account (you can do so using an existing
email account), you will be asked to provide a cell phone number to
receive a text message or voice mail with an activation code. If you
do not have a cell phone and need assistance with this step, see Mrs.
Lawrence in class.
You will want your url to read as follows: (your first name) (your last name) (your course)
- Here is how Susie Smith who is enrolled in Child Development I will sign up: susiesmithcd1
- Here is how Jason Brown who is enrolled in Child Development II will sign up: jasonbrowncd2
- Here is how Kim Jackson who is enrolled in Advanced Studies in Child Development will sign up: kimjacksonascd
- Here is how Joe Boxer who is enrolled in Outplacement will sign up: joeboxerout
You will want to title your blog as follows: Susie Smith CDI blog
This will make finding and identifying your blog easy for me (and you!).
IMPORTANT! Please note
that each student will create a blog and set it
such that only the creator and I can view and post to the blog.
To do this, visit your blog and choose NEW POST. Then choose SETTINGS,
followed by PERMISSIONS. Click add authors and invite me as an author:
tlawrence@ipswichschools.org. I need to be an author so that I can
respond to your entries. Where it prompts you with the question: "Who
can view this blog?" you will select the ONLY PEOPLE I INVITE BUTTON.
Add me to your invite list here as well and invite me. I will receive
an email confirmation that you have invited me to write on and view
your blog.