Blogs in Education 101

Contraction of web log, it is: a personal log of thoughts published on a Web page online writing published periodically. Readers can post comments on each entry. Interactive knowledge-exchange tool Content Ranges from journalism to stream-of-consciousness diaries What’s a Blog?

Blog A weblog, a web application which contains periodic posts on a common webpage. Often appear in reverse chronological order. Others can read and post comments.

Blogs Simple design: last item posted appears first. Ability to subscribe Ability to comment.

To motivate students To create opportunities for students to read and write To create opportunities for collaboration and discussion To enable scaffolded learning Why Blog?

NETS Standards for Students Demonstrate creativity and innovation Communicate and collaborate Conduct research and use information Think critically, solve problems, and make decisions Use technology effectively and productively

“In my work I have discovered that it is very important for pre- teens and young teens to blog. It improves writing and reading skills and encourages kids to communicate. It also helps kids who are often at an age of change and confusion to express their feelings. Find more resources at Patricia Fioriello, Portland Project

A Motivating Platform for Student Participation

Students Blogs To reflect on course content To build skills in: Writing in English, digital storytelling Communicating in world languages And more… To showcase student work (portfolios) Example: For more, see:

Blogs Demonstrate evidence of evolving thinking over time Group or individual

Do Students Use Blogs?

How do you know who visits?

NETS Standards 1-3 for Teachers Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments Model Digital-Age Work and Learning

Teachers’ Blogs To strengthen the home-school connection To provide information To contribute to the profession To express ideas or gather feedback (as in a PLN) To open opportunities for discussion among students or others To collaborate with students ……..or simply as an outlet for personal thoughts

Teacher Blogs Example: For more, see: edublog-2010/ edublog-2010/ Even more!

Using Blogs in the Classroom Determine your purpose Review school policies on: Displaying student work Identifiable student information Use of computer networks and the internet (Acceptable Use Policy) For P-12 students: Inform parents of procedures and secure parental permission Review policies and procedures with students Discuss issues of privacy, security, access and free expression Cover rules for posting no names, s, or locations Expectations for tone, respect and consequences

Classroom Blog Uses Teachers Post case studies Post scenarios for student responses Post assignments Create a platform for asynchronous class brainstorming and collaborative problem solving Students Case study responses Critique a perspective or support a solution Write reflections on clinical or internship experience Share research project findings Post written work for peer review and comment

How can Blogs be used in teaching? Motivation Comprehen- sion Practice Application

Teaching students to blog Put your hands in your pockets

Responding to student comments

Blog Activity/Assessment

What to get started?

Easy as 1, 2, 3… Go to a free blogging site Create an account Accept terms Create a title Select a template Write Publish

Select a Blog Application Wordpress: Blogger: Blogspot: Technorati:

Give it a try! Go to Google BloggerGoogle Blogger If have a Google (Gmail) account, log in If not, create an account

Create Your Blog Name your blog and URL Check availability of the URL

Select a Template

Choose a Template and Create Blog Start Blogging!

Write, Add Media, and Post

Need help? “How-to” YouTube Videos on each of the major blogs

You can also… Customize the look of your blog Add widgets

Design your page

Add widgets/gadgets

Resources Will Richardson, the supervisor of Instructional Technology and Communications at Hunterdon Central Regional High School in Flemington, NJ, maintains Another resource