Blogs in Education 101
What’s a Blog?

Contraction of web log, it is:

a personal log of thoughts published on a Web page

online writing published periodically. Readers can post comments on each
entry.

Interactive knowledge-exchange tool

Content

Ranges from journalism to stream-of-consciousness diaries
Blog
A weblog, a web
application which contains
periodic posts on a
common webpage. Often
appear in reverse
chronological order. Others
can read and post
comments.
Blogs
Simple design:
last item posted appears first.
Ability to subscribe
Ability to
comment.
Why Blog?

To motivate students

To create opportunities for students to read and write

To create opportunities for collaboration and discussion

To enable scaffolded learning
NETS Standards for Students

Demonstrate creativity and innovation

Communicate and collaborate

Conduct research and use information

Think critically, solve problems, and make decisions

Use technology effectively and productively
“In my work I have discovered that it is very important for preteens and young teens to blog. It improves writing and reading
skills and encourages kids to communicate. It also helps kids
who are often at an age of change and confusion to express
their feelings. Find more resources at
http://KidsLearntoBlog.com/” Patricia Fioriello , Portland Project
A Motivating Platform for Student
Participation
Students Blogs

To reflect on course content

To build skills in:


Writing in English, digital storytelling

Communicating in world languages

And more…
To showcase student work (portfolios)

Example: http://code-samuel.blogspot.com/

For more, see: http://www.shambles.net/pages/students/studblogs/
Blogs

Demonstrate evidence of evolving thinking over time

Group or individual
Do Students Use Blogs?
How do you know who visits?
NETS Standards 1-3
for Teachers

Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments

Model Digital-Age Work and Learning
Teachers’ Blogs

To strengthen the home-school connection
 To provide information

To contribute to the profession

To express ideas or gather feedback (as in a PLN)

To open opportunities for discussion among students or others

To collaborate with students

……..or simply as an outlet for personal thoughts
Teacher Blogs

Example: http://www.johntspencer.com/2010/11/teaching-style.html

For more, see: http://edublogawards.com/2010awards/best-teacheredublog-2010/

Even more! http://supportblogging.com/Links+to+School+Bloggers
Using Blogs in the Classroom

Determine your purpose

Review school policies on:




Displaying student work
Identifiable student information
Use of computer networks and the internet (Acceptable Use Policy)
For P-12 students:


Inform parents of procedures and secure parental permission
Review policies and procedures with students
 Discuss issues of privacy, security, access and free expression
 Cover rules for posting no names, emails, or locations
 Expectations for tone, respect and consequences
Classroom Blog Uses
Teachers
Students

Post case studies

Case study responses

Post scenarios for student
responses

Critique a perspective or support a
solution

Post assignments

Write reflections on clinical or
internship experience

Create a platform for
asynchronous class
brainstorming and collaborative
problem solving

Share research project findings

Post written work for peer review
and comment
How can Blogs be used in
teaching?
Application
Motivation
Practice
Comprehension
Teaching students to blog
Put your hands in
your pockets
Responding to student comments
Blog Activity/Assessment
What to get started?
Easy as 1, 2, 3…

Go to a free blogging site

Create an account

Accept terms

Create a title

Select a template

Write

Publish
Select a Blog Application

Wordpress:
http:wordpress.com

Blogger:
http://blogger.com

Blogspot:
http://www.blogspot.com

Technorati:
http://technorati.com/
Give it a try!

Go to Google Blogger

If have a Google (Gmail) account, log in

If not, create an account
Create Your Blog

Name your blog and URL

Check availability of the URL
Select a Template
Choose a Template and Create Blog

Start Blogging!
Write, Add Media, and Post
Need help?
“How-to” YouTube
Videos on each of the
major blogs
You can also…

Customize the look of your blog

Add widgets
Design your page
Add widgets/gadgets
Resources

Will Richardson, the supervisor of Instructional Technology and
Communications at Hunterdon Central Regional High School in Flemington,
NJ, maintains www.weblogg-ed.com

Another resource http://courses.uhcl.edu/blog/