Blogs in the Classroom

Using Web 2.0 Technologies to Create Classroom Websites:

Session 3

• A contraction of the term "Web log“• A website, usually maintained by an individual

with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video.

• Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog

What is a Blog?

Why Teachers Should Blog?

• Extend learning beyond the classroom walls by presenting learning opportunities online

• Convenience to students and families• Easy way to publish information• Informal and organized way to present ideas• Can link to other content found online• Can be a communication and instructional tool

Why Students Should Blog?

• Authentic audience• Improve writing skills• Learn from each other• Think about topics thoroughly to offer an opinion or

add information• Peer editing• Finding a community of others interested in same

topic• Become confident in sharing what they know

Solomon, G. and L. Schrum. Web 2.0: new tools, new schools. 56.

The Best Blogs…

• Have something to say• Document best teaching practices• Share successes• Display student work• Reinforce teacher expectations• Spell out the learning course• Empower parents with information for continuing

learning at home• Trusted resource for the education of each student

Hendron, John G. RSS for Educators: Blogs, Newsfeeds, Podcasts, and Wikis in the Classroom. 26

What Should I Blog About?

• Write about what makes you love your job.• Write about your experiences as an educator.• Write about what students are learning.– Have students report on what they are learning.– Provide parents with information to continue learning at

home.• Post examples of student work.• Share your expectations.• Post questions you would like the students to answer.• Extend your lessons by offering independent practice.• Start a conversation.

Anatomy of a Blog

• Content - similar to a news story or post• Permalinks – ways to link directly to one individual blog

entry, no matter where it appears on the page at the moment

• Blogroll – favorites list usually located on a sidebar• Trackback links – appear in the other author’s blog to link

readers from there to your own blog• Metadata – info about post including date/time posted

online, author, tags• Comments – guest book to leave comments and further the

conversationHendron, John G. RSS for Educators: Blogs, Newsfeeds, Podcasts, and Wikis in the Classroom. 22-23

Anatomy of A Blog, cont.