This document discusses using blogs in the classroom. It begins by defining what a blog is and explaining that blogging allows teachers to easily create webpages to share ideas, classroom information, and student work with others. Several free blog hosting platforms are described that can be used to create class blogs, student blogs, or shared group blogs. Guidelines are provided for setting up blogs and assigning blog content for students. The document concludes by listing additional web 2.0 tools that can be embedded in blogs.

1. Blogging in the ClassroomJennifer GatzOct. 9th, 2009www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/gatzwww.mrsgatz.blogspot.comDWMS Classblogmeister Blog Spot

2. What is a Blog?A blog (a contraction of the term "weblog")[1] is a type of 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. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog. -Wikipedia

3. Why blog?In times of change , learners inherit the Earth, while the learned finds themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists. Eric Hoffer Are you and your students the learned or learners?

4. What is a Blog? - Classroom ResourcesBlogs In Plain English – Common Craft Brain Pop – What’s New in the Blogosphere?

5. Why blog? Blogging allows you to easily create a webpage with your own ideas, projects and classroom information. It’s a great way to share your ideas with fellow teachers, students and an awesome tool for parent communication. Blogs usually contain an RSS feed so that your readers can be automatically updated as articles/posts are added to the blog. Blogging is 21st Century Literacy

6. Why Blog with Your Students?Why Blog with Students? – Teacher TubeProvides an authentic world wide audience for students thoughts and projects!Increased motivation for reading and writing.Authentic way to teach about internet safetyStudents are digital natives- blogging allows them to utilize the things that come naturally to them…widgets, avatars, videos, etc.The list goes on and on!!

7. Blog Content IdeasYou might like to create a reflective, journal-type blog to . . .Reflect on your teaching experiences, what worked and what didn’t in your classroom.Provide teaching tips for other teachers or share activities or lessons that you do in your classroomHeights Technology BlogAdapted from Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms (Will Richardson), pages 40-42

8. Blog Content IdeasYou might start a class blog to…

9. Provide class related information such as a class calendar, assignments, events or other class information

10. Post prompts for writing or reflecting on various topics

11. Post photos of class activities

12. Post student project examples

13. Make use of the commenting feature to have students publish messages on topics being used to develop language skills Ex:Hufford’s Hot Hawaiian’sRoom 10 North West Valley SchoolMr. Hancock’s BlogAdapted from Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms (Will Richardson), pages 40-42

14. Blog Content IdeasYou can encourage your students to blog . . .their reactions to thought-provoking questions

15. their reactions to photos and content you post journal entries results of surveys they carry out as part of a class unit their homework their ideas and opinions about topics discussed in class

16. Examples:

17. Mr. C’s AP History Blog Adapted from Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms (Will Richardson), pages 40-42