21Classes: Blogging

 

 

Blog - Definition:

 

 

 

A weblog, which is usually shortened to blog, is a type of website where entries are made (such as in a journal or diary), displayed in a reverse chronological order.

 

 

 

Blogs often provide commentary or news on a particular subject, such as food, politics, or local news; some function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. Most blogs are primarily textual although many focus on photograph (photoblog), videos (vlog), or audio (podcasting).

 

 

 

Go to  http://www.21classes.com/

 

Follow this path

 

         Great for teachers, see all features.

 

1.   Read through this page. Note-> you are the site admin.

 

2.   There are many ways in which this Blog site creates a safe environment for students to learn the appropriate blogging methods

 

3.   Here are terms you may need to familiarize yourself with or cover with students before beginning.

 

a.    upload – importing something from the internet to your site.

 

b.   download – exporting something from your site to another.

 

c.    blog – one persons or a site with one administrator

 

d.   blogging – the act of writing a blog.

 

e.    interface – software

 

f.     blogsphere – the whole world of bloggers, blogs, blogging

 

g.   post – after you have completed writing your blog, you “post” it to the internet. Then it is a post.

 

h.   tag – one word that describes the page or post

 

4.   Remember – Blogging is not instant messaging (IM) and not text messaging. It is you, your best thoughts, ideas, opinions, expressed by your best writing.

 

5.   Check the student features

 

6.   You are ready to sign up your classes

 

1) A blog is like a diary, but public. Once posted is for the world to read it. Write accordingly. Keep in mind that is not for your eyes only. Be especially careful when you write on a corporate blog.

 

 

 

2) Write content that is not just about you, but something that gives benefits to your readers.

 

 

 

3) When you post on somebody else’s blog, write something of value. If you disagree with the blogger’s point of view, say why and the solution you propose.

 

 

 

4) When you write, either on your own blog or on other’s blog, keep in mind that your personality and your reputation are reflected in your words. You decide what is going to be.

 

 

 

5) When someone makes a good comment about your blog, acknowledge it and be thankful. Courtesy will always speak well about you.

 

 

 

6) If you post and you want anonymity, don’t make any references that might indicate who is posting.

 

 

 

7) Not everybody has broadband. If you want your blog to be read by as many people as possible, keep your graphics to a minimum.

 

 

 

8) Be consistent with your posts. Don’t post every month and then suddenly post many messages. Choose your own pace and keep it. This way your readers will know when to visit your blog for new information.

 

 

 

9) Include RSS feeds in your blog. More and more people are using it and your readers will not be frustrated for your lack of RSS feeds.

 

 

 

10) Be clear and specific in the description of the links on your blog. Tell your visitors where you are sending them.

 

 

 

7.   Blogging is here to stay. Make the best of it for you, but especially for your readers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click àSign Up for Free

 

1.   Choose a Blog name that has an educational focus. It cannot have any spaces or punctuation. Here are mine

 

a.    Blog2Learn

 

b.   Tech2learn

 

c.    TeachTech

 

2.   Your first name should begin Mr. Ms. Mrs. And last name.

 

3.   I used school address but my own email, (just in case I can’t get school email at home)

 

4.   Finish

 

5.   Check data

 

6.   Go back and change or select set up my portal.

 

Set up student accounts

 

1.   Number of students per class

 

2.   I found it best to use their initials.

 

3.   Password should be your last name and grade level.

 

Write and post a blog on a topic for discussion.

 

         1.

 

Logout

 

Login as student – play around to see what students can do

 

1.   For student to respond to your blog – assignment-they need to go to community home page link. At top center right of page.

 

2.   Click on Assignment #1

 

3.   Select comment.

 

4.   Create a title and comment in the space provided

 

5.   Select POST