blogs in education 101. contraction of web log, it is: a personal log of thoughts published on a web...

Blogs in Education 101

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

What’s a Blog?

BlogA weblog, a web application which contains periodic posts on a common webpage. Often appear in reverse chronological order. Others can read and post comments.

BlogsSimple design: last item posted appears first.

Ability to subscribe

Ability to comment.

To motivate students

To create opportunities for students to read and write

To create opportunities for collaboration and discussion

To enable scaffolded learning

Why Blog?

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 pre-teens 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’ BlogsTo strengthen the home-school connection

To provide informationTo contribute to the professionTo express ideas or gather feedback (as in a PLN)To open opportunities for discussion among students or othersTo 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-teacher-edublog-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 Post case studies

Post scenarios for student responses

Post assignments

Create a platform for asynchronous class brainstorming and collaborative problem solving

Students Case study responses

Critique a perspective or support a solution

Write reflections on clinical or internship experience

Share research project findings

Post written work for peer review and comment

How can Blogs be used in teaching?

Motivation

Comprehen-sionPractice

Application

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 ApplicationWordpress:

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/