Using Class Blogs to Enhance Writing

Introduction  What is a blog?  A “Blog” is the blending of the two words “web log”. It is found on the internet and used worldwide.  What can a blog be used for?  Informal personal journal format  Formal group discussions, made up of text, photos, and web links.  Group editing tool

Rationale  An easy way to incorporate technology  A non-threatening way to challenge students cognitively, to think about issues and express their opinions  Serves as an additional means for students to practice writing and build vocabulary  An effective way to reinforce material discussed in class  Can be used as a time saver to discuss activities/assignments outside of class

Advantages  Blog format appeals to students  Many students already use blogs in their everyday life  They are familiar with the blogging format  Easy for both teachers and students to use  Engaging, interactive and motivating  Increases time on task  Links students, family members, friends, and colleagues around the globe

Creating a Blog  Visit

Creating a Blog (1)  Fill in all fields: User name, password, blog name, address, accept terms. Click on CONTINUE.  However, if you already have an account from Gmail, Google Groups, or Orkut, instead of doing the above, click on sign in first.

Creating a Blog (2)  Name your blog  Enter your blog title, blog address (URL), word verification. Click on CONTINUE.

Creating a Blog (3)  Select a template (colors, layouts)  Click on CONTINUE.

Creating a Blog (4)  Your blog has been created -  Click on START POSTING.

Inviting Blog Members (1)  Click on Settings.

 Click on Permissions. Inviting Blog Members (2)

Inviting Blog Members (3)  Click on ADD AUTHORS.

Inviting Blog Members (4)  Enter your students’ complete addresses  Click on INVITE to send the blog invitation to your students.

Joining the Blog (1)  Students will receive an invitation with a link to the registration site.

Joining the Blog (2)  If you are a Blogger user, sign in with your username and password.  If you are not a Blogger user, you will have to create an account.

Posting a Blog Entry  Type the title & text message and then click on PUBLISH POST.

Posting a Photo in Your Blog (1)  Click on the image icon, which is indicated with a box showing a picture with a blue sky. You’ll find this icon in between the ABC checkmark and the Add Video icon.

Posting a Photo in Your Blog (2)  Click on Browse and select your image.  Click on Upload image.

Adding a Hyperlink (1)  Click on the hyperlink icon, which is indicated with a picture of a chain link and globe.

Adding a Hyperlink (2)  Type in the URL and then click on Publish Post.

Using the Comments Feature (2)  Type in your comment and then click on PUBLISH YOUR COMMENT.

Using the Editing Feature (1)  Click on Edit.

Using the Editing Feature (2)  Edit as necessary, and then click on Publish Post.

Application As you create your class blog, consider the following:  What are your instructional objectives?  How will you set up guidelines for proper use of the blog?  How will you assess your students?  Do all participants have the resources to engage in your class blog?

References  Educational Bloggers Network.  Meriwether Lewis Elementary School, Portland, Oregon.  New Media Consortium (NMC).  Shelton, G. (2006). Blogs help personalize information sharing in online and in-person classes. The University of Arizona: Center for Computing and Information Technology.