Cindy DiDonato

WEBLOGS

What is a blog?

•Easily created

•Easily updatable web site

•Allows an author(s) to publish instantly

•As easy as sending an email

Blog vs. Web site

•Reflection

•Dialogue

•Reader engagement

•Interaction

•Graphics

•Photos

•Videos

•Audio

•Static content

•Graphics

•Photos

•Videos

•Audio

Difference Between Blog Writing and Traditional Writing

•Writing stops.

•Writing is inside.

•Writing is monologue.

•Writing is thesis.

•Blogging continues.

•Blogging is outside.

•Blogging is conversation.

•Blogging is synthesis

(Will Richardson Blogs Wikis, Podcasts p30-2)

Learning specialists Fernette and Brock Eide found that blogs can:

•promote critical thinking;

•be a powerful promoter of creative, intuitive, and associational thinking;

•promote analogical thinking

•be a powerful medium for increasing access and exposure to quality information;

•combine the best of solitary reflection and social interaction ( Eide Neurolearning Blog,2005)

Classroom Uses of Blogs

•Reflect on your teaching experiences

•Describe what goes on in each class

•Provide some teaching tips for other teachers

•Post class- related information

•Post class reading assignments and have students comment on them

•Publish examples of good student writing and art

Let’s consider who is the audience in each case.

(Will Richardson Blogs Wikis, Podcasts p39-40)

Scaffolding Blogging

•Elementary: use blog to show student work to other classes or parents.

•Middle school : ask students to become experts about topics they care about or develop responses to blog readings.

•High School: have students use blogs for extended study and reflection on a topic.

(Will Richardson Blogs Wikis, Podcasts p32-3)

Blog Safety

•Make sure students, parents and administrators are clear about expectations and the reasoning behind the blog.

•Check your school AUP so that you have permissions for posting student pictures, videos and first names should you decide to use them.

•Decide whether to make your blog private or public.

•Choose comment moderation to safeguard against inappropriate comments.

(Will Richardson Blogs Wikis, Podcasts p46)

Let’s Create a Blog!