BETT TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS Web 2.0: Blogs

What is Web 2.0? Web 2.0 refers to web pages that allow users to interact with the site or with each other  Social media like Facebook  Blogs  Wikis  Podcasts A user can edit all or part of a page right on the web As compared to static websites that are just there for you to read and not input anything

Blogs What is a blog? Short for “web log” A site that is made of individual entries or posts  Could be written by one author  Or several/many authors  Could be about one theme or topic, or more general, like an online diary  Usually allows readers to comment Posts appear in reverse chronological order (newest usually at top)

Publishing a blog You need a site to host your blog You can edit and post your entries through a “dashboard” or administrative area once you log in Once your post your entry, it is considered “published” Can be a “photoblog” or a “videoblog” instead of text

Examples Multiauthor:  Photoblog 

Blogs in teaching Best used to practice writing Can be used to stimulate discussion on a certain topic Gives students an incentive to pay close attention to grammar and preparation Students can read each other’s entries and comment  Teacher can easily comment on entries Another option – teacher can write a blog, students have to read and comment

Blogs in teaching Your ideas? What themes or topics could students write about? How could you give feedback? How could you ensure they work on their post before publishing it?

How to create a blog Find a free host Edublogs.org is one specifically for education  Advantage for this over others services – is easy to use, students will not be on a site meant for the general public Sign up for an account Follow the links to the publishing page Post!

Activity I have created a site for everyone to post something about their experience here. Templebett.edublogs.org Everyone needs to log in and post something to the blog to see how it works from the point of view of a student.