Making the Web Work for You: Blogging HCPS 2010

What is blogging? Blogs or Web Logs are one of the most widely used Web 2.0 tools. A blog can be described as a set of personal commentaries on issues the author feels is important. Blogs can contain images, text and links to related information. Readers will often participate by replying to postings in which they want to share similar knowledge. HCPS 2010

Blogs in Plain English “Blogs in Plain English” created by Common Craft.Blogs in Plain English This video explains how blogs are created and organized, how blogs are changing the idea of news in the 21st century, the role of blogs in bringing like-minded people together, and how blogs facilitate conversation. HCPS 2010

Outcomes In this course participants will use blogs in their classroom in ways that advance thinking, decision- making, communication and learning by: Exploring blogs in order to define “blog” and developing a clear understanding of the role of blogging within teaching and learning. Evaluating a blog and identifying ways in which it can extend the classroom experience. Identifying a blogging tool (within a list of HCPS endorsed blogs), creating a blog using the tool, and identifying how the blog will extend the classroom experience. HCPS 2010

Exploration Blogging has become an important medium for communicating within an educational setting. For students, blogging is a way to have an authentic audience. The benefits of blogging for students include: – promoting critical and analytical thinking – improved writing skills – learning from one another – peer editing – becoming confident in sharing what they already know – encouraging community building HCPS 2010

Become a Blogger The best way to fully understand blogs is to become a blogger yourself. As Barbara Ganley, professor from Middlebury College asks, "How can a teacher expect her students to blog (or use any other tool, strategy, or technique) if she doesn't use it herself, exploring the impact it has on her thinking, writing, research and creativity?" (Ganley, 2004). HCPS 2010

With Ganley’s quote in mind, let's spend some time viewing educational blogs for both student and teacher use. HCPS 2010

Blogging for Teachers and Students As you review a few blogs below, think about: – What topics yield a high number of blog posts and what might capture the interest of the blogger? – How often is the blog updated? – Do the postings use proper quality of writing? – Is there evidence of reflection? – Is the overall theme appealing? – How is the content of the blog presented? Bite-size pieces are best. – Does each blog posting and comment(s) stick to one topic? HCPS 2010

Classroom Blogs Consider using the provided Blog Evaluation for your review of the Education Blogs.Blog Evaluation – The Room 34 Book Blog The Room 34 Book Blog – Mr. St. Pierre’s Blog: Science Homework Mr. St. Pierre’s Blog: Science Homework – Ms. Rogoski’s Grade Three Class Blog Ms. Rogoski’s Grade Three Class Blog – Mrs. Caldwell English Blog Mrs. Caldwell English Blog – Fifth Grade Blog Fifth Grade Blog HCPS 2010

Blogging Among Educators Kathy Schrock’s Kaaffeedlatsch Free Technology for Educators Classroom Chuckles EledBlog Teacher Lingo Weblogg-ed 2¢ Worth HCPS 2010

Curriculum Connections Think about the many ways you could use these tools in the classroom. These links also provide ideas for using Blogs instructionally: – Scroll to the bottom of Blogging Basics & Beyond and read how blogs can be used with teachers and students.Blogging Basics & Beyond – Scroll down the page Blogs in Education to view Classroom and Teacher Applications.Blogs in Education – Open Blogs in Education and view the listed integration ideas beginning on page 5.Blogs in Education HCPS 2010

Application HCPS 2010

Setting the Purpose During the application of this Blogging module you will be establishing a blog for your class or class period. Consider using the Blog Planning tool within Module 2 resources to help frame your use of the blog with your students. HCPS 2010

Prep Work Before beginning to blog with your students be sure that students, parents and administrators are clear about the expectations and reasons why you will be blogging. Ensure that proper permissions have been signed. Teach students safe, sensible and appropriate behavior. Set clear expectations regarding tone, respect and consequences. Outline your role to your students, not just an evaluator but a connector of their ideas and postings. Think about how you will wrap up each blog topic after a given amount of time and how their comments can be tied together. HCPS 2010

General Tip Use only students first names and if necessary last name initial or a pseudonym when establishing student accounts. i.e. JenniferP or Mammals4 For this application choose between using either Edmodo or Kidblog, for the set up of your class blog.EdmodoKidblog Both are free and offer many safety features as well as not requiring student addresses. Students should only provide their first name and last name initial. HCPS 2010

Edmodo If using Edmodo, use this step by step guide.Edmodo After your student groups are established you will need to provide your students with their group code. At the student login screen, students will be prompted for their group code, username and password, first name and last name. Students should not be providing any address as none is required. Set up the first post that you will use with students. HCPS 2010

Kidblog If using Kidblog, use the Kidblog Guide or the video tutorial (LINK ME PLEASE ).Kidblog Set up the first post that you will use with students. HCPS 2010

Alternative Wikispaces.com is the Harford County Public Schools recommended Wikispaces provider. Wikispaces.comWikispaces A similar blog like feature within Wikispaces is the discussion tool available on each wiki page.Wikispaces HCPS 2010

Reflection In the Module 3 Forum, post a response for sharing the ways you are hoping your classroom blog will transform student learning. What goals do you have for yourself and your students as you begin to incorporate blogs into your curriculum? Be sure to provide the link to the blog that you have started (If using Edmodo, consider sharing the Group Code with the group). Respond to at least two other postings with reflective comments. HCPS 2010

Preview Your Colleague’s Blog If you’d like to preview a colleague’s blog, contact them individually. If the teacher is using KidBlog, provide your kidblog username (you will need to create an account in KidBlog if you have not already done so). Then that teacher will need to log in to their KidBlog account, select Users, Invite Users From Other Classes, enter in the guest’s username, change the role to Guest, and select Invite Use. If the teacher is using Edmodo, in your communication with them, ask if they would share the group code. You will need to have an account in Edmodo. HCPS 2010

Learn More Additional Blogging Sites to Explore (keep in mind that HCPS does NOT endorse sites that require student addresses for use with students): – Introduction to Blogs and Blogging Introduction to Blogs and Blogging – Teaching Today Blog Basics Teaching Today Blog Basics – Blog Revolution Blog Revolution – Blogs: Webs of connected learning Blogs: Webs of connected learning HCPS 2010

If you have any additional questions please contact HCPS 2010