Krista McCormick

SLM 521

Course Module

6/11/05

Blogging

Objective Students will research web logs with the intent of using them for instruction, communication and collaboration.

(OSTE I. B.; OSTE V. D.)

Objective Students will identify and locate web log tools and evaluate them for suitability. (OSTE II. C.)

Objective Students will determine how blogging can be an effective tool for education. (OSTE II. B.)

Introduction You have probably heard of blogging, but may always ask, “What are they talking about?” A web log (blog) is another tool for communication, collaboration, and information gathering. Web log topics could range from literature, to politics, from the new blockbuster movie, to potty training. In this activity you will learn what a web log is, you will discover how blogging could be an effective tool for education, and you will get drawn into some intriguing blogs. Just set a time limit, or you could be at your computer for hours!

Activity

· Read the following article:

Get Real! PR blogging Tips for Teachers, School Leaders

Carr, Nora (2005, June 1). Get Real! PR blogging Tips for Teachers, School Leaders. ESchool News online. Retrieved June 10, 2005, from http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/PFshowstory.cfm?ArticleID=5711

· Visit other links or research other articles to learn all you can about web logs.

· Visit some blogs and read and participate in discussions if you feel so inclined.

· Explore different web log tools.

Examples

Kidzlog

http://www.haranbanjo.com/kidzlog/

Type Pad

http://www.typepad.com/

Blogger.com

http://www.blogger.com/start

· While exploring, think how blogs could be used at your grade level in your school or in your workplace. Also think about:

o How could you build an effective blog?

o What problems could arise in using a blog?

o How can you be sure information being exchanged in a blog is accurate?

o Who will monitor your blog?

o How will parents and students access your blog?

o What are CSS and RSS?

Assignment Part 1: Write a 150-word paragraph explaining how using a web log could encourage student-teacher-parent communication and collaboration. In another 150-word paragraph explain how you could use blogging effectively at your school or workplace.

Part 2: Make a list of 3 web log tools that would be appropriate for use by your school or workplace. Include a description of each tool explaining its qualities and limitations.

Submission Post your activities as an html file to the McDaniel Web Server and send our instructor an email notification containing a link and the URL.

Rubric

	Unacceptable	Developing	Accomplished
Description of the application of a web log.	Part 1 and Part 2 contain unclear or undeveloped explanations of use in a particular setting	Part 1 or Part 2 contain a partially developed explanation of use in the particular setting.	Part 1 and Part 2 contain a fully developed explanation with details of use in a particular setting.
Appropriateness of Tools	3 different tools chosen haphazardly	3 different tools that have somewhat appropriate for level intended	3 different tools that are extremely appropriate for the level intended
Tools Descriptions	Description does not explain qualities or limitations of the tools.	Description somewhat explains qualities or limitations of the tools.	Description clearly explains qualities and limitations of the tools.