Week Two - Web Logs or Blogging

I'm sure you have heard about blogging - blogs are popping up everywhere! They are often created by an individual for sharing important facts or created just for fun. The "blogger" posts articles in a diary or journal format, usually listed in reverse chronological order.

Integration into Education
Teachers are aware that students write better when they are engaged in authentic learning experiences. Blogging can give your students:

• excellent opportunities to read and write


• effective conditions for cooperative learning, collaboration, and discussion


• a powerful tool to enable the development of communication skills

We know that today's students enjoy online social interactions. Therfore, blogs can be a very beneficial add-on in education. They allow teachers to meet students online, to share and interact outside of the classroom.

First of all, watch this video "Blogs in Plain English" and then we will start a blogging activity.



Activity # 1
Instructions will follow to set up your own blog and to add your first post!! This is an important first step because you will be using your new blog to reflect on your progress during this programme. At the end of each weekly activity you will be asked to post your experiences about the activity to your blog.

We will be using hosted blogs for this program. Hosted blogs allow users to sign up for an account and a free blog. The company providing the software usually takes care of everything for you, and all you have to do is choose a name for your blog and start posting! The most common hosted blogs are Blogger, WordPress, LiveJournal and Vox.

1. Set up your blog. Use either Blogger or Wordpress for this programme.
   On Blogger, click on the "Create a Blog" link (use your google account) OR
   on WordPress.com click on "Sign Up Now"
   Feel free to choose either tool; if you need some help comparing the two, check this link.
   
2. If you set up your blog on Blogger, your blog address will be http://nameyouchoose.blogspot.com; on Wordpress, your blog address will be http://nameyouchoose.wordpress.com.
   
3. If you already have a blog feel free to use it to track your progress in this programme.
   
4. Now for your first post! If you choose to, introduce yourself to everyone. Tell us some interesting things about you. Perhaps upload a picture to your profile. It doesn't need to be a picture of you, it can be your favouite pet or cartoon character. If you prefer to remain more anonymous, please comment on the video clip from the Week One activities.
   
5. This step is VERY IMPORTANT! In order for all participants to share your journey you must email your blog address to me (jbuchan@unbsj.ca). I will then add the link to this blog's homepage.
   

Optional readings and resources

Scholars Who Blog - The Chronicle of Higher Education

Academic Blogging - Anatomy of a Blog