Using Weblogs in the Classroom To Blog or Not To Blog Using Weblogs in the Classroom

A Truism “When you are involved in technology in the classroom it’s like drinking from a fire hose. There’s just so much coming at you.” Jim Oliver, Educational Technology Professor, St. Petersburg College

What Is A Blog? Part Web site, part journal, part free-form writing space, blogs have the potential to enhance writing and literacy skills while offering a uniquely stylized form of expression. a writing tool that supports practicing writers and previous non-writers A Place for students to write… about anything that interests them easy online presence for teachers an online journal a communication tool truncated form of "web log" a web-based writing space

Why Bother Blogging Kids love blogging Blogging is a great motivator Blogs represent a democratization of information dissemination Opportunities for collaboration that far exceed anything in the past Blogs can produce more credible, accurate, and careful writing

Why Bother Blogging Blogs are easy to create and maintain Information literacy, critical thinking, writing Blogging offers students unique writing opportunities Students will write when… Blogs can bring today's students into the world of writing -- even at 2 a.m., even in their pajamas Chris will cover first 5 slides. After the 5th slide Scott will talk the users through setting up a blog on edublog.org. And teach the edublog interface.

Implementing Blogging in YOUR Classroom Ideas for Using Blogs Implementing Blogging in YOUR Classroom

Ideas for Using Blogs Writing Prompts Chapter Summaries Other Writing Assignments Mentoring Professional Mentoring Collaborative Research Projects

Ideas for Using Blogs Reflections Journaling Reactions In-Class Discussions Done Outside of Class A Class Webpage/Website Make It Personal

What About Grades? Score Engagement Participation Research Writing Excellent 10 or more entries are posted that indicate critical thinking and personal reflection about the issues covered in the class. 5 or more meaningful comments are posted in response to the blog entries of other students. Always responds to comments and questions in own blog. 5 or more resources appropriate to the topics covered are appropriately cited and accurately annotated. Writing is careful, respectful, and appropriate in tone. Grammar and spelling rules are followed. Good 5-9 entries are posted that indicate critical thinking and personal reflection about the issues covered in the class. Provides 3 or 4 or more meaningful comments in response to the blog entries of other students. Generally responds to comments and questions in own blog. 3-4 resources appropriate to the topics covered are appropriately cited and accurately annotated. Writing is adequate, primarily has a respectful and appropriate tone, and has few spelling or grammatical errors. Fair 2-4 entries are posted that indicate critical thinking and personal reflection about the issues covered in the class. Provides 1 or 2 or more meaningful comments in response to the blog entries of other students, and sometimes responds to comments and questions in own blog. 1-2 resources appropriate to the topics covered are appropriately cited and accurately annotated. Writing frequently wavers from the appropriate tone and/or there are a number of grammatical or spelling errors. Poor 0-1 entries are posted that indicate critical thinking and personal reflection about the issues covered in the class. Does not provide meaningful and constructive comments in response to the blog entries of other students, and rarely responds to comments and questions in own blog. No resources appropriate to the topics covered are appropriately cited and accurately annotated. Writing is careless, unprofessional or disrespectful in tone, and/or is so flawed by grammatical and spelling errors it is difficult to follow.

Blogging Do’s and Don’ts Do get parental permission Do know your district’s AUP Don’t forget to inform students of the AUP Don’t use blogging sites that require students to publish their complete names and/or e-mail accounts Don’t use sites that ask students for any personal information

Blogging Do’s and Don’ts Do make students aware of what subject matter is appropriate and permissible Do teach students the importance of tone and respect for others' opinions Do have clear expectations, rules, and consequences Don’t forget that with risk comes growth and learning

Blogging Do’s and Don’ts Do teach students proper etiquette for online posting Do invite students to use blogs for a few days just for fun -- until they get used to how the system works Do create your own blog too Do assign one blog entry per week on a class-related topic; keep required lengths short and emphasize reflection

Blogging Do’s and Don’ts Over time, do encourage students to provide feedback on one another's blogs Do grade students on their blog entries. Evaluate such factors as time management, content, and grammar and spelling