Weblogs: Blogging in the Elementary Classroom

Weblogs Blogging in the Elementary Classroom By: Danielle Pappalardo

What is a Weblog?
A weblog is an easily updated website that allows an author (or authors) to publish instantly to the Internet.
Can be update several times a day
Also known as a “blog” for short
Can contain links, video, and audio

“ Blogs engage readers with ideas, questions and links. They ask readers to think and respond. They demand interaction.” Richardson, W. Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools. Corwin Press. 2009

Let’s Get Started!
Become a registered user to a blogging site, like 21classes.com.
Enter a valid e-mail address, user name and password to register

Create individual accounts for students to start blogging
Click “Student Accounts” tab
On drop down list click “Manage and add student accounts”

Select the number of students accounts you want to create
Under “Member data” enter login names and passwords for your students
Then click “Save”
E-mail is not required for students on 21Classes

Remember to keep students’ identities safe.
Only use initials or pseudonyms.
Follow district guidelines to ensure students’ safety.
Safety Reminder!

Create a Welcome Page
Select the Class Homepage tab
Then choose “Welcome text/about” from the drop down box
Introduce your class blog to your students

Enter a headline and welcome text then

Creating a Homepage
Click the “Classroom Homepage” tab
On the drop down list select “New entry”
Enter assignments and announcements on your homepage

Developing the Homepage
Enter a title for your post in the “Entry title” box
Begin to type an assignment or post in the “Entry body” box
You can edit text color and alignment.
Also can include links or pictures

Choose who can see your page and content: Public, Private or Members of your page Publish your entry to your blog or Save as a draft if you are not finished Select a category where you would like your entry to be placed

Select “Student accounts”
Then select “Students’ blog settings” from the drop down list
Here you can enable features such as :
Email
Teacher review before publishing post
Approval of comments
And much more!
To ensure student safety create settings for students’ blogs.

Your All Set!
Make sure you choose a purpose for your class blog
After you set up your class blog, introduce the concept to your students
Start blogging!
The following are a list of weblog project ideas to get you started…

Weblog Project Ideas
Class Writing Journal : Teachers can post weekly journal questions which students can answer. Reinforces students writing skills.
NJCCCS: 3.1, 3.2, 3.5
Math Problem Analysis : Post weekly math teasers. Students will answer and describe their process to solving the math problem. This will help students develop the skills to adequately explain the strategies used when acquiring their answer.
NJCCCS: 3.1, 4.4, 4.5

Novel : Read a novel such as Number the Stars. Answer reflections questions, critique characters, and analyze the plot on the class blog. NJCCCS: 3.1, 3.2, 3.5
Current Events : Provide a weekly video on a current events topic. Students can summarize the particular event each week. Teachers can also include links to news websites that will allow students to find similar information on the topic each week.
NJCCCS: 3.1, 3.2, 3.5

Healthy Living : Create a blog centered around healthy living. Students posts can be related to healthy eating habits and exercise. Include links, pictures, videos and graphs about healthy habits. NJCCCS: 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.5
Vivid Vocabulary : Introduce vocabulary words each week. Students can post sentences about vocabulary words. Also include study guides for student availability.
NJCCCS: 3.1, 3.2, 3.5

Blogs are helpful tools because they…
Increase student responsibility
Complete assignments on time
Develop writing techniques
Enhance computer usage skills
Contain relevant information that is readily available
Rubrics, Announcements, Assignments, Study guides
Decreases paper use

Education Based Blogging Sites
www.21classes.com
edublogs.org
www.classblogmeister.com
www.thinkquest.org
www.blogger.com
List of sites to get you started!

A class weblog will introduce your students to a collaborative classroom setting which will provide a communication space to share ideas, thoughts and opinions. Students will strengthen their critical thinking, writing and communication skills as they participate in the class blogging experience.
Enjoy Blogging! Enhance Your Classroom Environment

http://learn20.wikispaces.com	215
http://edu653jelly.wikispaces.com	19
http://edu-521.wikispaces.com	19
http://wiredtoteach.blogspot.com	18
http://altorhapsodie.blogspot.com	12
http://www.slideshare.net	9
https://learn20.wikispaces.com	4
http://mdweb2.wikispaces.com	3
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com	2
http://www.wiredtoteach.blogspot.com	1
http://aehci2009.wikispaces.com	1

Weblogs: Blogging in the Elementary Classroom

by dpappalardo on Mar 06, 2009

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Weblogs: Blogging in the Elementary Classroom — Presentation Transcript