279+Blogging

= Welcome! = Emma Hearty EDP 279 Assignment 5.1

This is a wiki about blogging and it's implications in an educational setting.

What is 'blogging'? Blogging is the act of writing and publishing your own personal thoughts, ideas, etc. onto a webpage. You can post written text, photos, videos, and so on. A web log, or 'blog', can either refer to one post on a website or the website itself.

What is the difference between a wiki and a blog? The main difference between the two is that a wiki allows editing by viewers. For example, since this website is a wiki, you as a reader can edit anything on this page; whereas, if you were on a blog website, you could simply read what others have blogged and leave a comment in response to it. For more information follow this link: []

What are some examples of blog websites? 1. www.wordpress.com WordPress is a free blogging website that is very easy to navigate. It includes features such as an up-to-date stats system that keeps track of specific things (i.e. how many people are visiting, where they're from, most popular blogs, etc.), a plethora of themes, a global tag system, Akismet (which prevents spam), extensive privacy options and [|more].

2. www.blogger.com Blogger is a nice blog website because it can actually link to your Gmail account. It also has just been updated to create a streamlined blogging experience, that is easier to use. Some of the features that Blogger has are privacy features, customization options, an "Earnings" tab that tracks ads on your blog, and also much more. To explore more features of Blogger, click [|here].

3. www.edublogs.org EduBlogs provides custom blog sites for individual teachers. This feature in particular is especially useful for teachers in utilizing blogging in the classroom. Common areas of concern with blogging often involve safety and privacy. Edublogs makes sure that they are allowed within school district's internet filters. They do so because they provide private safe and private blog sites. The blogs are also easy to create and manage by teachers. For more information, check out their [|website].

4. www.typepad.com Typepad, like most other blogs, has a number of features that are easy to use and navigate. Some of these features include professional blog designs, widget availability, professional support, and a trustworthy blogging company. Typepad is kind of different because you can earn money through this website if you allow ads to be shown on your blog (depends on how many people visit your page and view the ads, however). Typepad does charge a monthly fee, depending on which plan you choose.

5. www.posterous.com Posterous is a blogging website that allows it's members to choose who sees what on the blog. This is particularly interesting and useful for people who want their followers to be able to see more of their blogs than just anyone. Posterous also has an app, allowing it's users to post anywhere they have their smart cellular phone.

6. www.tumblr.com According to Tumblr's help page, "Tumblr lets you effortlessly share anything. Post text, photos, quotes, links, music, and videos, from your browser, phone, desktop, email, or wherever you happen to be. You can customize everything, from colors, to your theme's HTML. And we're here to help!" Tumblr is a little different than other blogging sites in that blogs of pages you follow show up on your "dashboard". You can see this on the homepage of your site and this allows you to "reblog" other people's blogs. In this, another person's blog will show up on your own page.

7. www.kidblog.com This blog site was used in one of my student teaching experiences and has shown the students a vary simple way to share information with others as well as charting and remembering information for themselves. The blog is free and can be created for the whole class to share or individualized for student tracking.

Well-Known bloggers: 1. Ariana Huffington 2. Brian Lam 3. Caterina Fake 4. Aaron Wall

How can blogs be used in the classroom? 1. Completing assignments 2. Used as an outlet for feelings or concerns about the class. 3. Blogs can be used in discussions. A teacher can post discussion questions and students can answer the questions asked by the teacher and respond to other student's answers as well. 4. Student profiles can be created on blog sites to organize their work.

Why should blogging be used in the classroom? 1. Blogging is highly motivating and engaging. In a technologically forward generation, utilizing the internet for any assignments keeps students engaged and interested. 2. Allowing students to blog can show them that reading and writing doesn't always have to consist of books and pen/paper. This allows for opportunities for teachers to increase a love for reading and writing/journaling. 3. Blogging allows for more effective scaffolding. (For example, if an assignment is given, a direct link to helpful websites can be posted so that the students can click right then and there). 4. Blogging can also be used as a form of therapy. Research has been developing promoting the use of blogging and receiving feedback on the personal thoughts. My Shrink Says... Blog!

@http://www.glencoe.com/sec/teachingtoday/educationupclose.phtml/47 @http://www.onlinedegrees.org/tips-for-using-blogs-in-the-classroom/ @http://web20intheclassroom.blogspot.com/2008/10/ways-to-use-blogs-in-your-classroom-and.html
 * For more information visit these websites* -

What blogging is and the multiple ways and places that people, students in particular, can blog has been thoroughly covered above. But, I there are also a number of benefits and applications that I can add to the list.

One major benefit of using a blog in a classroom is the impact it has on the students writing. It has been researched and proven that when students perceive an actual audience they spend more time and put more effort into their work. Everyone likes to be heard and listened to. A blog is one place where the audience is real. Also, the only way that writing improves is through writing. Blogging is one way in which students can practice those skills. It can lead to improved mechanics, grammar, and literacy. Blogging is also a very independent activity. That means that students learn through doing and at their pace. It fits well within a constructivist view of education where learning is student lead, reflective, and collaborative.

Blogging is also seen as a continuous learning process. That means that when students blog they are learning the entire time instead of a exponential increase in learning leading up to a final exam.

More ways that blogging can be used in the classroom
 * 1) Reflecting on personal experience and performance or on acquired knowledge.
 * 2) Continues learning outside of the classroom. Such as discussion or gaining other relevant information.
 * 3) Writing publication. Students can publish creative or other forms of writing in a low stress environment.
 * 4) Collaboration. Blogging allows students to collaborate in an informal environment.

One major thing to be aware of when integrating blogging into a classroom is who the students are. The age of the students will greatly impact what they are able to do and what is required of them. Being aware of who the students are will increase the effectiveness of the implementation. For more information check out these sites [] [] []