Blogs

Weblogs aka Blogs are powerful tools for connecting ideas and resources. They facilitate “connective writing” and allow the instructor to support diverse learning styles. Blogs may be used to archive learning or act as a resource repository.

This short video from Common Craft explains Blogs in Plain English

The following articles will lead you on an investigation of how blogs are used in education:

Blogging 101 – Weblogs go to School

Educause Examples of Blogs

Educational Value of Weblogs

Edublog Insights
Comments, reflections and occasional brainstorms by Anne Davis

Computer Centers
A blog for kindergartners, using clickable pictures

The Write Weblog
Blogging adventures of 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th graders

As you can see blogging is increasingly finding a home in education. This is due in large part to the fact that the easy-to-use software removes the technical barriers to writing and publishing online. Additionally, the 'journal' format encourages students to keep a record of their thinking over time. Because readers have the ability to add comments blogs facilitate critical feedback, which could be from teachers, peers or a wider audience. Because the content created by students and teachers becomes part of wider body of knowledge when published to the web, blogs are truly a constructivist tool for learning.

Pedagogical/Technological Principles

In addition to their simplicity, blogs encourage interaction in a student/participant centered environment. The digital accessibility of blogs has the potential to extend learning as students may receive immediate feedback from teachers or peers.

Will Richardson created a collaborative learning space with students in his English literature course through blogging. His students published a readers’ guide to the book The Secret Life of Bees. The author of this book, Sue Monk Kidd, agreed to participate on by answering questions and commenting on what the students had written. The result was a truly collaborative learning environment.

The Secret Life of Bees

Blogging with Blogger
Blogger is often used by educators and it is simple to get started.You will want to explore all the "gadgets" available and think about how you can use them with your students.

Blogger Quick Tutorial

Blogger Buster
Helping you make the most of your Blogger Blog!

Blogging Safety and Security
If you decide to use blogs with your students it is important to remember that blogs, like any website, may be viewed publicly. Access, privacy, and security must all be carefully considered.

Making a Blogger Blog private

Hide Blogger NavBar so student can not click to "next blog"

Bloggers Code of Ethics

Sample Code of Ethics

Add a comment and describe your Blog exploration.