1. Blogs

2. What is a blog? short for web log.
a collaborative Web publishing tool.
can be set up using links, images and other web site features.
can be set up like a diary or journal and allow comments made by others.
allows comments to be made virtually any time.
creates a classroom without walls.

3. Ties to Marzano’s HYIS Setting Objectives & Providing Feedback
Blogs allow teachers to facilitate online discussions and differentiate student learning. Teachers and students can provide feedback to posts.
Summarizing and Note Taking
Blogs provide an outlet for reciprocal teaching. This form of peer teaching has four components: (1) summarizing, (2) questioning, (3) clarifying, and (4) predicting. Blogs allow students to use this strategy. More in-depth conversations can take place because the blog extends beyond the classroom walls and time frame.
Reinforcing Effort & Providing Recognition
Teachers can create a Hall of Fame on their blog, highlighting and linking to student work.

4. Blog Benefits user-friendly technology.
motivating to students, especially for those who may not participate in class.
an excellent opportunity to promote literacy.
provide effective forums for collaboration and discussion.
motivate students to produce better writing.
provide the opportunity for students to reflect on their work.

5. Using Blogs in the Classroom
students can practice and benefit from peer review.
everyone has an equal opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions.
everyone has time to react to ideas and reflect on learning.
provides the opportunity for students to communicate locally and globally.

6. Specific Examples use as an issue bin – a principal’s blog
have students reflect on assignment/activity (plus/delta/OFI)
provide a math problem, writing prompt, or question of the day to elicit responses – Mrs. Cassidy’s blog
create a blog for different reading groups
use as question/answer board or “Ask an Expert” forum

7. More examples…
have students respond to a blog taking on the persona of a historical person
use to discuss current events/topic of study - Mr. Reid’s blog
students/teacher can evaluate a website or post favorite sites
use with Battle of the Books club or have a general Book Blog

8. Things to consider Grading Rubrics for posts Editing comments
Time commitment (keeping posts updated; approving comments)

9. Preparing Students to Blog
Student AUPs
Guidelines and Purpose
Safe, acceptable, and sensible behavior
No complete names, accounts, or references to reveal location
Clear Expectations
Blog Guidelines Example

10. Blog Examples on the Internet
You may want to begin by showing students examples of different blogs.
Wild About Math
Road Sign Math
Book Battle Blog
New Hope Elementary Book Blog
NASA
Anderson Cooper’s CNN Blog
Science Friday
Scholastic News Blog

11. Blog Resources for Educators
Blog Basics
Blog Ideas for the Classroom
Log on to a Blog
Blogging and RSS - The "What’s It?" and "How To" of Powerful New Web Tools for Educators

12. Let’s create a blog in Schoolwires!!!