Using Class Blogs to Enhance Writing

Introduction

What is a blog? A “Blog” is the blending of the two words “web

log”. It is found on the internet and used worldwide.

What can a blog be used for? Informal personal journal format Formal group discussions, made up of text,

photos, and web links. Group editing tool

Rationale

An easy way to incorporate technology A non-threatening way to challenge students

cognitively, to think about issues and express their opinions

Serves as an additional means for students to practice writing and build vocabulary

An effective way to reinforce material discussed in class

Can be used as a time saver to discuss activities/assignments outside of class

Advantages

Blog format appeals to students Many students already use blogs in their everyday life They are familiar with the blogging format

Easy for both teachers and students to use Engaging, interactive and motivating

Increases time on task Links students, family members, friends, and

colleagues around the globe

Creating a Blog

Visit www.blogger.com

Creating a Blog (1)

Fill in all fields: User name, password, blog name, email address, accept terms. Click on CONTINUE.

However, if you already have an account from Gmail, Google Groups, or Orkut, instead of doing the above, click on sign in first.

Creating a Blog (2)

Name your blog Enter your blog title, blog address (URL), word verification. Click

on CONTINUE.

Creating a Blog (3)

Select a template (colors, layouts) Click on CONTINUE.

Creating a Blog (4)

Your blog has been created - Click on START POSTING.

Inviting Blog Members (1)

Click on Settings.

Click on Permissions.

Inviting Blog Members (2)

Inviting Blog Members (3)

Click on ADD AUTHORS.

Inviting Blog Members (4)

Enter your students’

complete email addresses

Click on INVITE to send the blog invitation to your students.

Joining the Blog (1)

Students will receive an e-mail invitation with a link to the registration site.

Joining the Blog (2)

If you are a Blogger user, sign in with your username and password.

If you are not a Blogger user, you will have to create an account.

Posting a Blog Entry

Type the title & text message and then click on PUBLISH POST.

Posting a Photo in Your Blog (1)

Click on the image icon, which is indicated with a box showing a picture with a blue sky. You’ll find this icon in between the ABC checkmark and the Add Video icon.

Posting a Photo in Your Blog (2)

Click on Browse and select your image. Click on Upload image.

Adding a Hyperlink (1)

Click on the hyperlink icon, which is indicated with a picture of a chain link and globe.

Adding a Hyperlink (2)

Type in the URL and then click on Publish Post.

Using the Comments Feature (2)

Type in your comment and then click on PUBLISH YOUR COMMENT.

Using the Editing Feature (1)

Click on Edit.

Using the Editing Feature (2)

Edit as necessary, and then click on Publish Post.

Application

As you create your class blog, consider the following: What are your instructional objectives? How will you set up guidelines for proper

use of the blog? How will you assess your students? Do all participants have the resources to

engage in your class blog?

References

Educational Bloggers Network. http://www.ebn.weblogger.com

Meriwether Lewis Elementary School, Portland, Oregon. http://lewiselementary.org

New Media Consortium (NMC). http://www.nmc.net/projects/dkc/itb_main.shtml

Shelton, G. (2006). Blogs help personalize information sharing in online and in-person classes. The University of Arizona: Center for Computing and Information Technology.