Blogging 101For Beginners

What is a Blog?“Blogs…are easily created, easily updateable websites that allow an author (or authors) to publish instantly to the Internet from any Internet connection. They can also be interactive, allowing teachers and students to begin conversations or add to the information published there. Weblogs are the most widely adapted tool of the Read/Write web.” Will Richardson, Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts,and Other Powerful Web Tools for the Classroom

Common ElementsPosts Sorted by dateCategories / Tags Comments / Responses to Posts Podcasts Video Static Pages

PostsArticles written to be shared publishedTypically listed chronologicallyNew posts replace older post which are achivedCan include images, links, podcasts and moreCan be indexed with categories and tags

Comments /Responses to Posts Supports interactivity / feedbackAre moderated – must be approved before they are visibleCan be turned off for a Posting

PodcastsMP3 file that will play within a postingWordpress creates the podcast from an MP3 file you add – “no muss no fuss”

VideoCan embed video to play in a BlogVideo must first be uploaded to a video sharing siteYouTube, TeacherTube, SchoolTube, ScreenCastEmbed code is then added to Posting

PagesStatic pages – similar to a webpagePages can have sub pagesAll the same features of a Blog postingText, images, links, podcasts, embedded videoNo comments on pages

RolesAdministratoraccess to all the administration features Editorcan publish posts, manage posts as well as manage other people's posts, etc. Authorcan publish and manage their own posts Contributorcan write and manage their posts but not publish posts Subscribercan read comments/comment/receive news letters, etc.

Web 1 vs. Web 2Web 1 - StaticAll about the content – the largest collection of connected knowledge in the history of the worldWeb 2 - DynamicAll about collaboration, read and write web, not only what we knew but what we created85% of youth have published to the WebFacebook, My Space, etc. (all built on Blogging type platforms)

How Blogs are Used in EducationFor real-world writing experiencesProlong discussions outside the classroomQ and A with guest speakersQuickly give feedback to students questionsUse it for literature circle activitiesInform parents – What I did in school today!

How Blogs are Used in EducationStudents give feedback to each other – peer reviewTrack student writing developmentStudents use their peer network to develop their own knowledgeUpdate new information on homework assignmentsEncourages students to help each other with their writingAs a classroom discussion and debate area