What is a "Blog"?
A "blog" is an online diary or journal. A "blogger" is someone who creates a blog. The term "blog" is an abbreviation of the term "web log".
Blogs are user generated and the entries are usually displayed in reverse chronological order. While blogs were originally used as personal diaries, more and more individuals and groups are using them to provide commentary on news and specific topics. Typically, blogs contain text, pictures and links to other blogs and websites.
Another important feature of blogs is that readers are often able to leave comments on a particular entry in that blog.
Blogs in the classroom
The following are some suggestions on how blogs can be used in the classroom:
* teachers can post questions and/or problems for students to discuss online
* students can post discoveries and opinions on a topic on their own blogs
* teachers can use a blog as a class management tool to post announcements, assignment info, feedback, tips, etc.
These suggestions and more can be found at the Web 2.0 survival guide website
Find "blogging" tools
The following is a list of links to some of the popular blogging tools on the internet.
- Glogster"Glogster is a social network that allows users to create free interactive posters, or glogs"
- Kidblog"Kidblog.org is designed for elementary and middle school teachers who want to provide each student with their own, unique blog"
- SquareSpaceFree website available, with the option of upgrading to a premium account
- Tumblr"A feature rich and free blog hosting platform offering professional and fully customizable templates, bookmarklets, photos, mobile apps, and social network"
- TwitterTwitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters.
- WordPress.com"Free blogging software and an alternative to Blogger"
Examples of blog use in classrooms
- Blogg'u'ca'tion"Committed to: Providing relevant, responsive education so that each student becomes a life-long learner and contributing citizen in a diverse, digital world"
