This document discusses using blogs to support student learning. It begins by asking what it means to write in digital spaces and how to prepare students to work in digital environments. It then defines blogs as websites that encourage the exchange of ideas through features like comments and media. The document suggests blogs develop communication skills, provide a platform for reflection, and promote digital citizenship. It provides tips for getting students interested in blogging, such as focusing on interactions between writers and having students challenge each other's ideas. Finally, it discusses managing student blogs and taking blogging to deeper levels through global connections and creative writing.

1. 12-3-13
#ETCIU13
Blogging
for learning
Image Source

2. Welcome!
Please reference this site to support your
learning today:
!
tinyurl.com/etciu13blogging

4. !
What does it mean to write in digital spaces?
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How do we use writing to support learning?
!
How do we prepare our students to use digital
environments that most likely will be the majority (if
not only) platform that they will be working in and
with?
Source: Silvia Tolisano

5. A blog...
•
is a method of communication
•
is a website with entries called posts
•
encourages the exchange of ideas
includes features such as comments, hyperlinked
text and other media to increase user interactivity
•
•
is easy to set up and maintain!

6. Source: Silvia Tolisano
http://langwitches.org/blog/2008/09/14/blogs-vs-static-websites/

7. Source: Silvia Tolisano
http://langwitches.org/blog/2008/09/14/blogs-vs-static-websites/

8. Why blog?
• Develop and strengthen communication skills
• Great platform for reflection
• Interactive: two-way communication and discourse
encouraged
• A “real” writing experience - opportunities for revised
compositions and shared with authentic audience
• Promotes digital citizenship and building a positive
digital footprint
• Collaborative opportunities and global connections

9. Source: Silvia Tolisano

10. Setting the stage.
Source: Sue Waters
http://suewaters.com/tag/blogging-cycle/

11. Source: Silvia Tolisano

12. Preparing students.

13. Source: Sue Waters

14. Source: Bud Hunt

15. Image: Rodd Lucier

17. “I think the biggest tip that I'd have for classroom teachers interested in building
interest in blogging among their students would be to see blogging as
something more than just a place for students to post stand-alone thoughts.
For me, the power in blogging rests not in what I write alone, but in the
reactions that others have to my writing and in my efforts to read and
respond to the thoughts of others.
Accomplished bloggers seek out others who are wrestling with common areas of
interest, primarily because opportunities to interact with ideas is motivating. One
of the tenets of constructivism is that true learning only takes place when
deeply held personal beliefs are challenged by contrary evidence. In those
moments, individuals are forced to refine and revise ideas that they once
held to be true.
In a sense, blogging makes such experiences possible for everyone. It is, in
some ways, a remarkable opportunity for differentiation because writers of
all ages are wrestling with interesting ideas at all times. With a bit of poking
around, challenging content can be found for anyone.”
Bill Ferriter

18. Source: Silvia Tolisano

19. Source: Silvia Tolisano

20. Source: Silvia Tolisano

21. Global connections
Image: Pernille Ripp

22. Parents as partners.

23. To consider:
• Sharing permissions
• Approval processes for posts and comments
• Managing and sharing feeds - RSS is your friend
• Topic choices, commenting requirements, content area
connections
• Taking blogging to the next level: connections, creative
writing, ePortfolios

24. Thanks for
joining me!
Contact me any time with
questions or needs!
lynhilt@gmail.com
@lynhilt on Twitter
http://lynhilt.com