1. Creating Educational Blogs July 18, 2005 / SCISC Suzanne Culbreth Oak Mountain High School

2. Blogging 101 What is it? Why should I use blogging with my students? Are there safety concerns? What are some ways that I can incorporate blogging in my classroom? How do you set up a blog? Can I get more help?

3. What is it?

4. Definitions Blog: A web log. Blogger: Someone who creates and maintains a blog. Blogging: The process of creating and maintaining a web log. Blogsphere/Blogosphere: The totality of blogs; a community or social network of blogs. Blogroll: A list of a blogger’s favorite blogs, usually placed on the side of that blogger’s blog.

5. Why should I use blogging with my students? Pedagogical Reasons  Seeing students as web “contributors”  Opening the doors of the classroom into the world  Developing responsible communication skills Engagements  Promotes creativity, intuitive/reflective thinking  Provides tool for communication & interaction  Offers an authentic audience

6. Are there safety concerns?

7. Blogging Safely  Blogging Safely Lesson Plan  “Bud the Teacher”  Hints: Include parents / administrators Involve students in setting guidelines Discuss rules “up front” (don’t wait for crisis) Consider moderating comments

8. Blogging Ideas  To share information  To journal  To list links  To reflect / discuss  To scribe  To report research  To provide feedback

9. Setting up Your Blog 1.Go to www.edublogs.org 2.Scroll down to “Create your edublog” 3.Type in your User Name Blog name (can change this later) Your email address. 4. Click Create!

11. www.shelbyteacher.edublogs.org

12. Resources Shelby Teacher Blog –http://www.shelbyteacher.edublogs.org/http://www.shelbyteacher.edublogs.org/ Patrick Crispen –www.netsquirrel.comwww.netsquirrel.com Aimee Smith / Brandi Caldwell –“Real Teachers…Real Blogs…Real Life” –http://teacherblogs.wikispaces.comhttp://teacherblogs.wikispaces.com Alabama Best Practice Center –Educating The Digital Generation –www.bestpracticescenter.org/pdfs/wte5-2.pdfwww.bestpracticescenter.org/pdfs/wte5-2.pdf

13. Creating Educational Blogs July 18, 2005 / SCISC Suzanne Culbreth www.shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/omhs/faculty/sculbreth/index.htm Oak Mountain High School