Welcome to New Kids on the Blog! While we wait for everyone to arrive and sign-in, we would like to encourage you to take a look at the following video… http://video.about.com/weblogs/What-is-a-Blog-.htm. After you watch the video, click the back arrow at the top of the page to return to the New Kids on the Blog workshop.
We are glad that you are here, and we hope that you find today’s training valuable and enjoyable!
Definition: Blog is short for a web log. A web log or “blog” is a series of chronological posts. Most of the time, these posts are made by a single person. People write blogs for many different reasons, but people usually write blog entries with readers in mind. Whether the purpose is to educate, promote, inform, or entertain, blogs are excellent collaboration tools. Still wondering, "what's the big deal with blogs?" Watch this video below.
A basic blog contains:
The blog title is often part of the Blog's URL, but not always. Each blog post/entry has a title and a date and time stamp. The date most often appears just above the blog post/entry title and the time appears just beneath the post. The most current blog entries appear at the top of the blog.
Below each entry, you will see a comments link. Readers can click on the link to leave a comment about a particular blog post or entry. Along with the comments, you will find a label or tag below each blog post. If the blog writer chooses, he/she can label or tag the entry with a key word or phrase. Labels or tags allow readers to quickly search for topics and themes that have been posted on the blog.
In the right hand column of this blog, you will see two sections: Labels and Blog Archive. Labels organize blog posts/entries by topic or theme, while the blog archive organizes blog posts/entries by year, month, date, and time.
Click on the word comments just below this post. In your comment, please type your name, grade level, and the subject(s) that you teach. Then, briefly share what drew you to this workshop and how you plan to use blogging in your classroom.
As you comment, you will begin to see the comments of others. Feel free to comment on other participant's comments. This will begin the collaboration and establish our blogger community!Blogs in Plain English (link to video on TeacherTube) - http://teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=12423
Frisco ISD Blog examples - https://wiki.friscoisd.org/groups/justbraggin/wiki/eb776/Blogging.html
Talented Texans–elementary students sharing writing. Student interaction is constructive and congenial.
Wockets - Year Three and Four class from Russell Street School, New Zealand, with 28 students 7-9 years of age. The first few posts do not have any comments, but scroll down to Loopin Lizards with Kirsten for a great post idea. Review post & comments.
Nicole Gleason on Blogmeister - 2nd grade students - Review the posts on the left under Teacher Assignments. Here, you will see the assignment post along with the student's comments. Also, review the Student Entries section.
Miss Ross–elementary teacher’s blog used as class portal. Lots of useful resources, such as curriculum information, calendars, instructional videos, etc.
Team Simmons–another elementary teacher’s home site. Uses home page to facilitate literature discussions.
Marvelous Math–elementary blog used as extension of in-class math lessons and assignments. Students solve weekly problems.
Mr. Martin's 5th grade class - http://mrmartinsclass.blogspot.com/Be mindful of what you are posting
Be professional
Obtain permission from parents before allowing students to blog.
Do not post student pictures with names attached.
Use ONLY 1st names on your blog, if you use real names at all.
Do not give students or parents access to your password so that they can upload/edit your blog posts.
Moderate ALL comments! Do not allow unmoderated comments to appear on your blog.
If possible, require that students log-in to your blog in order to post comments.
Be respectful of others.
Use proper grammar – complete sentences, NO text lingo.
Never post anything on line that you would not say to someone in person.
Spelling does not have to be perfect, but please do your best.
Sign posts with initials or code name (assign to students), not your real name.
Never share your user name or password with anyone.
