Module 13

Using blogs

77Hwb+ user guide

Introduction/description

A blog is a tool for individuals or groups of users to record opinions, information and views on a regular basis.

Learners and teachers can use blogs to create pieces of writing that can be viewed and commented upon by a wider audience (users within your Hwb+ site).

Each site has its own blog by default which can be accessed from the blog button. Additional blogs can be created as required – more information is available in Module 17.

Task

• Create a blog post in your class blog – save it as a draft.

• Manage posts – edit your post, add a picture and publish it.

• Write a comment on your blog post.

Some ideas for use in the classroom

• Use a blog to record book reviews.

• Use a blog to record favourite food recipes.

• A learner can use a blog to record lesson objectives, lesson activities and learning experiences.

• Allow learners to record activities from a trip or residential visit.

• Teachers could use a blog as a class diary.

• Re-engage learners’ enthusiasm for writing by incorporating multimedia items

A shared blog is automatically available for class, subject and year sites – but personal user blogs can be created too.

Handy hints

Creating a blog post

Help file – blogs

Now click on Create a post, under the Blog Tools. If you do not see this option then you do not have sufficient permissions to create a post on this site. You will need to check these with your site administrator.

To create a new blog entry, click on the Blog button on the toolbar.

You should now see a dialogue box open on your screen.

Type in a Title for your post and enter the Body of your blog post here.

78 Hwb+ user guide

Click on the writing to configure the player.

As you begin to type the body of your post, the familiar Microsoft ribbon will appear. This allows full formatting of any text or images that you put into your post. Remember that you can use the Insert tab to locate images for your post.

Click on the writing to configure the player.

Use the Category menu to help keep your posts in order. You will be able to edit these or add new ones so they show appropriate categories for your blog. To do this refer to the help guide on managing your blogs.

When you are happy with your post click Publish or Save as Draft. If you are not the admin account for that particular site, your post will be held offline until it is approved by the admin, e.g. learner blogs will need approval by the class teacher.

Once the post is published, other people can view and comment on the content.

To comment, click on the Comments link.

79Hwb+ user guide

Module 13

Add a Title and a Comment. Then click Submit Comment.

80 Hwb+ user guide

81Hwb+ user guide

Managing your blogs

Help file – blogs

To view all posts in a manageable list click on Manage posts.

Module 13

To manage any post in your class or subject blog first click on the Blog button on the toolbar.

By clicking next to a post, the menu will drop down. Here you can edit/delete or approve/reject a post.

As a teacher you will need to manage your blog posts. You will need to approve any posts which have been created on your class or subject blog. You may also wish to edit and add new categories for users to add to their blog if they so wish.

To edit or create categories for your blog, you will first need to click on Site Actions on your blog page and choose View All Site Content.

To manage any comments made by users click on Manage comments.

By clicking next to a comment, the menu will drop down. Here you can edit or delete a comment.

82 Hwb+ user guide

83Hwb+ user guide

Module 13

On the next page look for and click on the list called Categories.

By clicking on the drop-down menu you can edit the categories that are currently in the list, or by clicking on +Add new item, you can add your own category to the list.