Blogs

Objective Students will locate websites on which students may create a blog, for the purpose of posting project updates.

Objective Students will be able to integrate the topic of blogs into innovative lesson plans.

Objective Students will become aware of safety issues and disclosure of personal information involved with operating a blog.

Introduction bytowninternet.com defines a blog as -short for weblog. A weblog is a journal (or newsletter) that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption. Blogs generally represent the personality of the author or the Web site.

Blogs have been around for quite a while but have recently jumped in popularity. They are generally used as a form of web journal by individuals to sound off on what ever topic they feel like addressing. As is the way on the internet it is very easy to create your own blog, begin to address topics and interact with others on the internet.

Blogs can be a valuable resource to teachers. But with this resource what are the concerns that teachers must have when asking students to post on the World Wide Web?

Activity Research blogs as a teacher tool. Find out what are the concerns about students and blogs.

Marketing Terms.com- This sites offers definitions and information about blogs, and a wealth of links to get your search started.

http://www.marketingterms.com/dictionary/blog/

Blogger.com- The original blog website an easy to use interface to set up and update your blog.

http://www.blogger.com/start?hl=en&utm_source=AdWords&utm_campaign=US-HA-EN- Blogger&utm_term=blog&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=Blogger_home

Typepad.com- A professional blog creating website.

http://www.typepad.com/splash/

Assignment Create your own blog account through one of the many free blog sites on the internet and make at least three entries. Create an activity were a student or group of students must keep the teacher and class up to date through entries in a blog. Create information form of do’s and don’t for what information students should be posting on their blog.

Submission Save your activities and information sheet as a Word file and email to your instructor as an attachment. Also send a hyperlink to your personal blog site.

Rubric

	Unacceptable	Developing	Accomplished
Blog site	Created a blog account but failed to make any entries.	Created a blog account and made 1-3 brief undeveloped entries.	Created a blog account and made 3 or more, well thought out entries.
Activity	A simple activity that involves the set up of a blog account.	An activity that involves the setup of a blog account and basic assignment for updating.	An interesting and exciting activity involving set up of a blog account and a well thought out ongoing assignment for updating.
Information form	Gives a few dos and don’ts statements with no additional information.	Gives several dos and don’ts and a brief statement of explanation.	Gives a thorough list of dos and don’ts and thoroughly explains the importance of each.

ISTE

Standards This course activity addresses the following ISTE Standards

I. Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts. Teachers:

A. Demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.

II. Teachers plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology. Teachers:

C. identifies and locates technology resources and evaluates them for accuracy and suitability.

IV. Teachers apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies. Teachers:

B. Use technology resources to collect and analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning.

A complete listing of all ISTE standards can be found at:

National Educational standards for Teachers - http://cnets.iste.org/teachers/t_stands.html