Section+5+-+Blogs

A ** blog ** (a contraction of the words // **web log** // ) is a discussion or informational site published on the World Wide Web and consisting of discrete entries ("posts") typically displayed in reverse chronological order (the most recent post appears first). (Wikipedia) How can it be used in the classroom? Here is a great article explaining what a blog is, classroom use, and safety. (Teaching Today)

Enjoy this brief video which provides a concise explanation of a blog.

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 * How to create a blog using your google account.**

After logging in to your Darlington email, open a new tab and navigate to: @https://www.blogger.com


 * IMPORTANT** - Be sure to choose a "Blogger Profile" if you teach students under the age of 13. If you choose the google+ profile, students under the age of 13 may not be able to access your blog if you are thinking of creating a classroom blog. If you teach students that are over 13, then you may choose the google+ profile.



Choose a name for your blog profile. This is not the name of your blog but just your profile. You have the ability to create many blogs with different names.

Create a blog by choosing "New Blog"



A new box will pop up and you type in the title of your blog as well as it's new web address. It will tell you if the name you picked is available right away. Remember that some popular names may already be taken, so you may have to be creative or add some numbers at the end. You can choose some of the more popular themes right away but I would save that for later. There are many more to choose from. Once you have put in your title and your new address, then create blog. I would write down the name of your blog for future use.



Now you see your new blog listed under your blog list. You also see options like, write a new post, go to post list, and the drop down arrow that gives you many options for your blog.



Posting a blog is as easy as creating a word document. Be sure to enter a title and you can save and come back later if you don't finish in one sitting. Just remember to hit the publish button when you are finished writing.

Managing comments is important when you have a classroom or teacher blog. You may want to set your comments so you have to approve them before they are posted for the world to see. Choose settings from your drop down arrow on your blog list page.

On your settings page you should choose settings again at the bottom left, then choose posts and comments:

Here is where you can change permissions to only allow comments to members of the blog and to moderate all comments. You'll need to enter your email address to moderate so you will be notified by email when comments come in.



Also under settings is a "Comments" option. t his is for managing comments that are already posted.



To create a classroom blog you will need to give permission to each student by accessing the "Basic" settings under settings. Once you do that you will need to type in each students email address (which should pop up as you type in their name) and hit invite. __**Each student will have to check their email and accept the** invite__.