To blog or not to blog                                                                    

                                   .....or even better what is a blog?            

So what is a blog anyway??

First of all blogs are found on the internet. The term “blog” is short for “weblog”. A blog is a personal diary.  A collaborative space. A collection of links. Your own private thoughts. Your blog is whatever you make it to be. They come in all shapes and sizes.

                                  *Blog (noun) - a journal or diary that is on the Internet 

                                  *Blogger (noun) - a person who keeps a blog

                                  *Blog (verb) - to write a blog 

                                  *Blogging (verb) - the action of writing a blog  

What makes blogs different from other websites?

• content is published in a chronological fashion
• content is updated regularly
• readers have the possibility to leave comments
• other blog authors can interact via trackbacks and pingbacks
• content is syndicated via RSS feeds (Rich Site Summary)

The internet is always changing therefore, blogs are in constant evolution. They are a social happening phenomenon!!

  How do you discover new blogs and get people to read yours?

You simply discover new blogs by search engines or from other blogs you visit. This is the same way to get your blog noticed. Network and spread the word about your blog.

How to create a blog on blogger:

1. Go to http://www.blogger.com
2. Click on the orange "create a blog" icon.
3. Fill out all relevant information.
4. Give your blog a tittle and continue.
5. Choose a template.
6. You are now ready to write your blog.

YouTube- watch this video if you need a visual deminstration.

SiteGround- tutorial on how to create a blog

Advanced blogging techniqes:

1. How to bookmark your blogs:

• Go to the "veiw blog" tab after you publish your blog.
• Firefox users: Go to the bookmarks menu and select "Bookmark this page" (or press "ctrl D" as a shortcut).
• Internet Explorer users: Go to the favorites menu and select "Add to Favorites."
• Safari users: Go to the bookmark menu and select "Add bookmark" (or press "ctrl D" as a shortcut).

1. How to hide your blog from search engines.

• In your Dashboard, click "Layout."
• Click the "Settings" tab.
• Under the "Basic" tab, navigate to the "Let search engines find your blog?" section.
• Select "No" from the dropdown menu.  Then click "save settings" to keep your blog hidden from search engines.

Why use blogs in the classroom?

Using blogs in the classroom creates a fun learning environment for the teacher and the students. Instead of having the students write a paper have them post a blog and discuss the subject matter. Blogging helps students develop better writing and technology skills. There are several assignments that a teacher can do on a blog such as post a prompt, a weekly review, reading responses, find facts with links to pages, and current events. All of these options can be used in any course subject.   

Teachers First- A site for teachers on how they can use a blog in the classroom

 Student Blogs-Pictorial examples for teachers to set up blog for student interaction.

Classroom Blogs- artile on how blogs can be used by 2nd graders and up. 

escrapbooking.com-  A site with blogs of different grade levels and course sections. 

ABC:Go- teacher posts projects her students do on her class blog

Class reflection input:

Student task:   Create your own blog. Briefly discribe why blogs enhance the classroom atmosphere.