Blogs can be used effectively in classroom and library settings to engage students and address learning standards. A blog is a website maintained by an individual to share opinions on a topic. Entries appear chronologically. Blogs allow interaction through comments. They can include various multimedia. When using blogs for educational purposes, safety precautions like private settings and pseudonyms should be taken to protect students. Example uses include discussing books read in class, current events, science experiments, and historical topics.

1. Web + Log = weBLOGBLOGUsing Blogs in the Classroom or LibraryPatrick EganWolcott High SchoolNovember 20, 2009

2. What is a Blog?A contraction of the term weblog.A website created and maintained by an individual to share opinions, reflections, and comments about any chosen topic.Often presented in journal format. Can include pictures, videos, or links to other websites related to the topic. Blogs in Plan English, a short video about blogs

3. More about BlogsAnyone can blog, no special HTML codesEntries on a blog appear with the most recent entry displayed first. Blogs allow for interaction among readers and the blog writer via the comments feature. Readers can leave a comment related to the blog topic. A new blog is created every two seconds! (Richardson, 2005)

4. Why Blog in Schools?Blogging allows students to practice their reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Blogging provides students with authentic communication and motivating audiences (McPherson, 2006). Students are often engaged in the content on a daily basis. Addresses 21st Century Learning Standards & NETS (National Educational Technology Standards)

5. Blog SafetyWhen possible, teachers and students should establish blogs as private so that guests must be invited in order to read the blog or must sign in to leave a comment on the blog. Students should NEVER post their name or other identifying characteristics on a public blog. Students SHOULD use a pseudonym when posting on public blogs.

6. More About Blog SafetyTeachers should NOT post the school name or any other identifying information that can be linked back to the school if the blog is public.

7. Ideas for Using a Blog Students and teachers can discuss a book read by the class via a blog, as well as write book reviews or make book suggestions. Students and teachers can blog about current events. Students and teachers can blog about science experiments, including the scientific process.Students and teachers can blog about a specific research topic or era in history.

8. Sample blogshttp://students.huffenglish.com/http://www.mrsgonyou.blogspot.com/http://central.hcrhs.k12.nj.us/bees/

9. Let’s BeginPlease go to the following web addresshttp://pegan.edublogs.org/