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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

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

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

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

9. 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.

10. 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 accounts
Don’t use sites that ask students for any personal information

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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