Blogging 101 for Classroom Teachers By Keri Grossnickle 2009

What is a BLOG? A “blog” is the short term for –web + log A blog allows people, other than the owner, to make comments. A blog contains current information, so long as it is updated by the owner.

How is a blog different than a website? A website may/may not contain “static” information. Our school website is mostly static. A blog contains posts/information in reverse chronological order. A blog, however, can contain pieces of static information.

Setting Up Your Own Blog Don’t know how to set up a blog? No worries! I will create it for you. Any questions?

Teacher’s Responsibilities 1.Sending home permission slips (to communicate its purpose with parents). 2.Creating new “posts.” 3.Updating your posts. 4.Moderating the comments that students make for the blog.

How to Use Your Blog 1.As a supplement to your class 2.As extra credit 3.As a weekly assignment 4.As enrichment/extension 5.All of the above 6.But mostly, to provide an authentic audience for your students

Sample Blogs st gradehttp://sabillasville1.blogspot.com/ st gradehttp://tpsroom107.blogspot.com/ th gradehttp://tigersphere.blogspot.com/ th gradehttp://sixthgradew.blogspot.com/ - Mrs. Ghttp://criticalthinkinggrossnickle.blogspot.com/

Blogging Advice 1.Post directions on HOW TO POST COMMENTS and BLOGGING RULES. (I will take care of this for you.) 2.Keep it updated. A blog that is “fed” is well read! I add several topics a day to keep it fresh. 3.Connect your blog to other teacher’s blogs. Makes it easier for kids to jump from one blog to another. 4.Offer incentives (candy, Cavaliers, extra credit points, etc.) for responses. 5.Post your picture. 6.Label your posts. Keeps things more organized and easier to find once you become the hyper-blogger that I am!

Comment Moderation 1.It is imperative that you create your blog with COMMENT MODERATION. This means every time someone tries to comment, you will receive an first. 2.Through your , you can PUBLISH or REJECT a comment after reading it. 3.Reasons for rejection include: ☺ Inappropriate language/offensive, etc. ☺ Includes personal information (name, address, friend’s name, etc.) ☺ Improper use of screen name (I’ve had kids type in their name instead of their screen name – oops) ☺ Doesn’t relate to topic 4. Kids need to know that you are moderating for a simple reason: to give them ANONYMITY (from each other AND stalkers)! This allows them to feel free to write what they are thinking without fear of being judged or teased.

Blogging Etiquette Do’s Complete sentences –Capital letters –Appropriate punctuation Proper spelling Proper grammar Answer the question completely with details Use the directions for commenting if you forget how to post properly (see the side of the blog)Don’ts Use artistic decorations using the keys – Use personal conversation –hey what’s up? –this is Travis82 signing off –Use of a screen name

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