Creating Educational Blogs

July 18, 2005 / SCISC

Suzanne Culbreth

Oak Mountain High School

Blogging 101

• What is it?

• Why should I use blogging with my students?

• Are there safety concerns?

• What are some ways that I can incorporate blogging in my classroom?

• How do you set up a blog?

• Can I get more help?

What is it?

Definitions• Blog: A web log.

• Blogger: Someone who creates and maintains a blog.

• Blogging: The process of creating and maintaining a web log.

• Blogsphere/Blogosphere: The totality of blogs; a community or social network of blogs.

• Blogroll: A list of a blogger’s favorite blogs, usually placed on the side of that blogger’s blog.

Why should I use blogging with my students?

Pedagogical Reasons Seeing students as web “contributors” Opening the doors of the classroom into the world Developing responsible communication skills

EngagementsPromotes creativity, intuitive/reflective thinkingProvides tool for communication & interactionOffers an authentic audience

Are there safety concerns?

Blogging Safely Blogging Safely Lesson Plan

“Bud the Teacher”

Hints:• Include parents / administrators• Involve students in setting guidelines• Discuss rules “up front” (don’t wait for crisis)• Consider moderating comments

Blogging Ideas

To share information To journal To list links To reflect / discuss To scribe To report research To provide feedback

Setting up Your Blog

1. Go to www.edublogs.org

2. Scroll down to “Create your edublog”

3. Type in your User Name

Blog name (can change this later)

Your email address.

4. Click Create!

www.shelbyteacher.edublogs.org

Resources• Shelby Teacher Blog

– http://www.shelbyteacher.edublogs.org/

• Patrick Crispen– www.netsquirrel.com

• Aimee Smith / Brandi Caldwell– “Real Teachers…Real Blogs…Real Life”– http://teacherblogs.wikispaces.com

• Alabama Best Practice Center– Educating The Digital Generation– www.bestpracticescenter.org/pdfs/wte5-2.pdf

Creating Educational Blogs

July 18, 2005 / SCISC

Suzanne Culbrethwww.shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/omhs/faculty/sculbreth/index.htm

Oak Mountain High School