Blogs (WebLogs)

Blog Basics

• web page composed of short postings 
• postings are typically updated frequently
• postings are arranged chronologically  (usually displayed from newest entries to oldest)
• content varies --  links/commentary;  news about company/person;  diary; journal, photo collections,  poetry;  etc.
• often dedicated to one topic.  
• have flexible layouts that can range from simple to ornate.
• can contain text, photos, or any other multimedia.

Blog Software

MSUM's blogging environment:  http://collaborate.mnstate.edu

Note:  Some educational institutions prefer to purchase their own server for blogging so that they can have more control over the posting.  MSUM's  Instructional Technology has purchased a server for blogging which will be set up and available shortly.

Other web-based blogging services:

• WBlogger http://www.blogger.com (free)
• LiveJournal  http://www.livejournal.com

Social Network Environments (somewhat like blogs)

• MySpace:  http://www.myspace.com/
• Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/

Finding Blogs

Why Blog?

• Can usually post to a blog  from anywhere as long as you have access to the internet.
• Great way to share your opinions or advice.
• Most blogs have current and relevant information.

Why Not Blog?

• Information in blogs is public and can hurt feelings, offend, or stir up controversy
• You may feel pressured to maintain your blog and post updates often.
• Blogs are not regulated so some content posted to them may be false or inaccurate.
  

Ways to use a Blog:

1. Class blogs -- allow students to communicate with one another, 
2. A Travelog
3. Share Photos
4. Share Opinions
5. Share Advice
6. Share information about crafts and hobbies
7. Discuss scientific issues
8. Share news
9. Keep a journal
   

If you already have a webpage you can make a custom blog as well! 
You don't have to use any of these services but if you are only going to be blogging they are easy to use and convenient.

Using Classroom Blogs

Note:  Some of these ideas were contributed by Sybil Priebe, North Dakota State College of Science, who has used classroom  blogs for a number of years.

1. Create the blog at http://www.blogger.com -- the name should be related to the course name
   
2. Add students to the blog:   Click on Settings, choose Members, and cut/paste email addresses of your students here.  They will receive an email inviting them to join blogger.com AND your class blog.
   
3. Include a link to the class blog in your syllabus.
4. Inform the students about your rules / expectations for the class blog.  Suggestions:
   • Require a certain # of postings to the blog (per week, per unit, per semester).  Note:  suppose you require 15 postings per semester.  You may want to tell the students they aren't allowed to do all of the posting during the last 2 weeks of the semester.  State your expectations clearly -- if you expect a posting for each week of the semester, specify 15 required postings that must be done weekly.
     
   • Inform the students about the type of writing expected -- will you allow informal writing that includes slang, netspeak (acronyms like BRB, LOL), incomplete sentences, etc.
     
   • Netiquette rules -- typing in all capital letters indicates shouting, no profanity, derogatory comments, racial slurs or racially charged words, no pornographic images or content
     
   • Entries must be related to the class (stay on topic)
     
   • Consequences for violating the rules of the class blog setting  (for example, expulsion from the blog and no credit for the assigned blogging activities for the class)
     
   • Rubric -- points for quality posts only (be sure to provide guidelines for your definition of a quality posting)
     
5. Inform the students about your rationale for incorporating a blog into your class.  You may want to include the following ideas:
   • extend contact with students beyond the class time
   • allows for regular communication about what is happening in class 
   • class announcements  -- change in deadlines, cancellation if instructor is ill, etc.
   • clarification of assignments / class activities
   • brainstorming about assignments / projects
   • opportunity for reflective writing about the topics in the course
   • encourage critical thinking  -- instructor can pose questions that students should think about before class, etc.
   • allows students to share ideas / opinions with their classmates and instructor
   • encourage communication between students in other sections of the same class
   • practice written communication skills
     
6. Instructors can print the entire blog at various points in the semester for ease of grading / reading offline  (click on View Blog)
   
7. Consider posting your (instructor) entries in a different color so that the students can easily identify your postings. 
   
8. Log into the blog before each class to see if students have any questions, and discuss these during class.
   
9. Research / Term Papers:
   • Require students to link to the references used on their papers -- can check for plagiarism and validity of resources.
     
   • Ask the students to post their introductory paragraphs from their paper so that other students can review and provide feedback -- are they motivated to read your paper, is the paragraph intriguing or thought-provoking, etc.
     
10. Examples of blogs:
    • Comp Blog (Sybil and colleagues):  http://110blogproject.blogspot.com/
    • IBlog for book discussion -- The Secret Life of Bees:   http://weblogs.hcrhs.k12.nj.us/bees/  
    • Class Blog:  English Literature:  http://dcsenglish.edublogs.org/
      

References