This document provides an introduction to blogging basics and how blogs can be used in education. It defines what a blog is, explains the different types of content that can be included in blogs, and lists some ways that blogs can be used in educational settings, such as for content, networking, instructional tips, announcements, reflections, assignments, and sharing resources. It also discusses some of the benefits of blogging in the classroom, like giving writing purpose and involving different learning styles. Finally, it outlines some things to consider when getting started with blogging and managing a class blog.

1. Welcome to Blogging Basics

2. Agenda Let’s define blogs Develop an understanding of blogs Identify ways to use blogs in education Look at two examples of active blogs; Blogger and Wordpress Learn how to start your own blog Have fun

3. What is a Blog? According to webopedia, a blog is basically a web page that serves as a publicly accessible personal journal for an individual. A person who writes/authors blogs is called a blogger. Individual articles on a blog posts are called “blog posts”, “posts”, or “entries”. There are numerous kinds of blogs

4. What a blog can have? Text Images Videos Audio Files PowerPoint Presentations Links to other blogs and web pages

5. How to Use Blogs in Education Content-related blogs Networking and personal knowledge sharing Instructional tips for students Course announcements and readings Reflective or writing journals Assignment submission and review Dialogue for group work E-portfolios Share course-related resources

6. Why Blog in the Classroom? It gives writing a purpose It involves different learning styles It can inspire students Your students can inspire others Students who do not participate in class may be more willing to talk online

7. Things to Consider First ! Goals need to be clear Feedback needs to be immediate and meaningful Expectations can be teacher and/or student formulated. Narrative assessment or rubric assessment or no assessment

8. How are you going to manage your blog? Do your homework, become a blogger Select your blog hosting service by type of blog you want to have Begin with one main account and have students go through stages of blogging Model/Scaffold what is a quality post/comment Expectations should be clear; blogging rules/etiquette and blogging safety.