Blogging Using Schoolwires Blogging Using Schoolwires Gail Dickinson

What is a blog? The term “blog” is short for web log. A website that allows users to reflect, share opinions, and discuss various topics in the form of an online journal while readers may comment on posts. They can also include LINKS to web sites, other blogs, news articles, or even pictures.

Characteristics of Blogs Characteristics of Blogs Postings are usually short They are frequently updated They allow for other people’s comments They appear in reverse chronological order They can be worked on at any time Anyone can blog They are easy to use

Example of Educational Blogs 4 th Grade Blog High School Blog 5 th Grade Schoolwires Blog

Let’s Begin With a Practice Blog Go to Click on ◦ technology ◦ Blogging ◦ practice blog ◦ Under field trip  Click on view or  add comments

Field Trip Blog

How to Write a Blog Begin with a simple question. Type in a sample comment to your blog. Blog Question: Where did you go on summer vacation? What was your favorite part about the trip and why? Answer: My family and I went to New Orleans in June. We stayed with my Aunt Peggy. My favorite part was going to the zoo. I liked it because we got to see an albino alligator.

Demonstrate an Unacceptable Comment  Too short/Incomplete I went to New Orleans.  Doesn’t relate to blog I like your picture.  Inappropriate language We went to my uncles house an had a crappy time.  Not constructive We went on a trip in June.

How to Create a Blog Page Using Schoolwires Log in to your webpage Go to Site Manager Navigate to your page Click on New Page Click on Blog Name it Blogs Click Save Click on the Blogs Page Click New Posting Type in title – Practice Click the Active button Click the Posting Tab Type in: This is a practice blog. What do you plan on doing the first day of school? Click the Comments Tab Click Yes/No/Yes to allow comments on postings Click Save at the bottom

Comment on your neighbors blog

Adding Picture to Blog (you must have an image saved to your computer) Create a New Posting under Blogs and insert picture. Give new blog a title Click on Posting Insert image (click on the image icon)* * Be sure to click in the box before inserting image

Inserting Image Continued Click on Select New Image from Computer/Next

Inserting Image Continued Click Browse – go to the file you wish to insert and then click next

Inserting Image Continued Type in a name for your image in Alt. Text box. Change alignment if needed Click insert

Automotivator Poster Creator Create picture writing prompts Find a picture from the Internet and save it to your computer. Go to Automotivator and upload the picture/type question and then save it to your computer.

Let’s Try It Create a new blog post using the Automotivator poster you created.

Benefits of Blogging in the Classroom  Blogs are interactive tools, fostering debate, discussion and critical thinking.  Blogs can foster technological literacy.  One can post documents and files (PowerPoint), podcasts, pictures, homework assignments, video and audio clips, articles, links to other websites, journal entries and discussion questions.

Benefits cont.  Students can respond to blog entries and instructors can post entries, wherever internet access is available. (Give students plenty of time to post comments)  Blogs are easier to update and maintain than a webpage. Students can focus on writing skills, independent of their handwriting skills.  Blogs and log entries can be modified for any skill level.  Blogs are a great way to highlight and share student work and evaluate students’ critical thinking skills.

Difference Between a Blog and Webpage Knowledge of html Stays the same Provides information Longer to update Anyone can use without prior knowledge Changes often Information is shared Instant updates

Concerns/Considerations Inform parents/check permission slips Never use last names Always supervise children while online Moderate all comments Allow students to create blogs Keep blogs positive Provide a fake for students ◦ Ex. Do not post student pictures or work without permission Restrict student’s personal information as part of a blog

Writing Prompt Resources Creative writing prompts Daily writing prompts (by month) Expository essay prompts Science writing prompts Video science prompts Math writing prompts Writing prompt by the month All subject areas and grade levels (video)

Practice Creating podcasts Creating blogs