Using Web 2.0 Technologies to Create Classroom Websites: Session 3

A contraction of the term "Web log“ A website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse- chronological order

Extend learning beyond the classroom walls by presenting learning opportunities online Convenience to students and families Easy way to publish information Informal and organized way to present ideas Can link to other content found online Can be a communication and instructional tool

Authentic audience Improve writing skills Learn from each other Think about topics thoroughly to offer an opinion or add information Peer editing Finding a community of others interested in same topic Become confident in sharing what they know Solomon, G. and L. Schrum. Web 2.0: new tools, new schools. 56.

Have something to say Document best teaching practices Share successes Display student work Reinforce teacher expectations Spell out the learning course Empower parents with information for continuing learning at home Trusted resource for the education of each student Hendron, John G. RSS for Educators: Blogs, Newsfeeds, Podcasts, and Wikis in the Classroom. 26

Write about what makes you love your job. Write about your experiences as an educator. Write about what students are learning. – Have students report on what they are learning. – Provide parents with information to continue learning at home. Post examples of student work. Share your expectations. Post questions you would like the students to answer. Extend your lessons by offering independent practice. Start a conversation.

Content - similar to a news story or post Permalinks – ways to link directly to one individual blog entry, no matter where it appears on the page at the moment Blogroll – favorites list usually located on a sidebar Trackback links – appear in the other author’s blog to link readers from there to your own blog Metadata – info about post including date/time posted online, author, tags Comments – guest book to leave comments and further the conversation Hendron, John G. RSS for Educators: Blogs, Newsfeeds, Podcasts, and Wikis in the Classroom