1. Information: Blogs Date:
Objectives
Define and understand Blogs for use in the Leaving Cert.
Be able to make a real Blog for the purpose of selling things, making money, conveying information or just for fun.

2. Warm-up question- solo - writing
It is unusual today for a company or restaurant not to have an online profile.
Write 2-3 advantages of putting information online from a business point of view.
Full sentence bulletpoints.
Point, reference, explain.

3. Notes – Blog format – most popular Leaving Cert Question
A web log for noting and sharing information.
Tone is informal and personal. Purpose is to showcase your writing (in the exam).
Starts with a Blog/Company name underlined in the top left.
Next line: Exact day, date and time.
Next line: Your Name (By:....)
Next line: Make a heading and underline. Then begin.
Question to discuss: Why is keeping things simple online a good idea? (Are people online idiots?)

4. A real blog – recommend to experiment with one this year.
Note this down (There will not be homework telling you to Blog)
Choose which platform/website to use.
Wordpress.com - 82 million users Blogger -500 million users
address required. Free options recommended for students.
Question – think, pair, share.
While you could link Facebook, Twitter and other social media to a blog, why might you want to keep them separate?
Two things to think about – people’s attention and business.

5. A real blog
Personalise: must choose an original name for the site. Consider your target audience in your decision.
NEVER put personal information here. Focus on the topic and do not give away info that could lead to harm. (Home address, mother’s maiden name, how you get home)
Question to discuss: internet trolls
Has anyone ever seen an internet troll’s comments?
What is the healthy thing to do when a stranger bullies you online?

6. How bloggers make money (don’t need to note)
Before the money, can you think what the mental health benefits are for blogging?
Bloggers get cash from dozens of types of adverts, products they sell, content that can only be seen by paying sponsors and most importantly, donations.
Why do people donate to bloggers do you think?

7. Exercise and Homework
Choose a hobby or passion you have (can be a business).
Write (on paper) a blog post using the correct format.
Your objective is to talk about / promote / discuss the hobby or passion.
Your objective is to show off your writing skills too.

8. It’s healthy to express yourself.
Cooldown question:
It’s healthy to express yourself.
Do you agree?
Why/Why not?