1. Blogging An Introduction 1

2. Blog. A Definition (n.) Short for Web log, a blog is a Web page that serves as a publicly accessible personal journal for an individual. Typically updated daily, blogs often reflect the personality of the author. (v.) To author a Web log. Other forms: Blogger (a person who blogs). 2

3. Blogs in Plain English - 2:58 3

4. But Why Blog?  A blog is a place to practice your writing! And not just any writing, but careful and thoughtful writing.  When blogging you broaden your audience. Suddenly your classmates can be in conversation with you…even when we’re not in the classroom. You don’t just write assignments, print them out, and hand them in?  *Gulp* someone might find out what you have to say? Our work becomes public ! Quite simply: the more the merrier in a conversation. If we draw attention from the outside world, it will help us remember that KLO is not simply preparation for “the real world” but that it is in fact a vital part of the “real” world. 4

5. How could blogging look at KLO?  Each of us can create an individual blog (e.g., Weebly, Wordpress)  We can start by posting short personal entries  As we become comfortable, we can post longer assignments  We can read each other’s work  We can provide constructive feedback to each other  We can collaborate to find more innovative and creative ways to blog  We can share our blogs with other classes  We can invite our family and friends to read our blogs 5

6. Questions? Part 1  Do we have access to the technolology we need?  How can we work on our blogs from home?  Will any of us need to blog at KLO in the morning, at lunch or after school?  Do we need to schedule our time during class differently? (E.g., have half blogging while others are working more closely with the teacher. Sign out laptop cart? Book library?)  plore in Reading? Writing Worshop? Do you have other questions? We’d like them! 6

7. Questions? Part 2  Will we provide friends and family the link to our blogs?  How can we access help when we need it?  Will teachers be marking our blogs? And if so, how?  What modes / formats of writing do we want to practice?  How can we link our blogs to what we explore in Reading? Writing Worshop? Do you have other questions? We’d like them! 7

8. Your online rep matters! Pause and THINK It matters now and for your future. 8

9. Protect your online rep - 4:42 9

10. Secure online identity Pay attention to privacy settings You can't take back info from people once they've seen it Think before you post Remember, years from now you may have to explain the info and photos you are posting today Protect your personal details Don't post home address, phone number, birthday, etc. Protect your password 10

11. Remember… What you post online can affect your personal safety – especially if you tell people where you are going to be at and include specific dates or times 11

12. Remember… Think before you post – would you want your parents and teachers to see the information you are posting? Is it? T= True H= Helpful I= Inspiring N= Necessary K= Kind 12

13. Commenting on blogs – 4:35 13

14. Write like a letter - include a greeting, content and closing. Use correct conventions (E.g., spelling, punctuation, grammar and spacing) Compliment the writer: Be specific Ask a question or Add new information to the post (See sample feedback comments with our 6+1 Writing Traits. Consider “2 Stars & a Wish”) Write a relevant comment related to the post. Do not reveal any personal information about yourself Always read over the comment to edit before submitting. When Commenting 14

15. Setting up a Blog in Weebly 15

16. Your Turn to Design & Build Receive your username and password from us Log on to student.weebly.com “Play” with your Weebly site to design and build your Weblog (blog) 16

17. What you need to know Weebly is used by many students and employees in the Central Okanagan School district: Students Teachers/support staff Secretaries, custodians, bus drivers, etc. Principals, directors, Superintendent, etc. It is secure because users have to login It is public because users can see what is posted when they are logged in 17

18. Let's Set Up Our Blogs! 18