UOG School of Education, WTN Presentation :UOG School of Education, WTN Presentation Using Class Blogs to Enhance Writing By Matilda Naputi Rivera, Ph.D. September 21, 2007


Presentation Overview :Presentation Overview Introduction Rationale Advantages Creating a blog Sample Ed Tech blogs Application—How would you use a blog? Conclusion References


Introduction :Introduction What is a blog? A “Blog” is the blending of the two words “web log”. It is found on the internet and used worldwide. What can a blog be used for? Informal personal journal format Formal group discussions, made up of text, photos, and web links. Group editing tool


Rationale :Rationale An easy way to incorporate technology A non-threatening way to challenge students cognitively, to think about issues and express their opinions Serves as an additional means for students to practice writing and build vocabulary An effective way to reinforce material discussed in class Can be used as a time saver to discuss activities/assignments outside of class


Advantages :Advantages Blog format appeals to students Many students already use blogs in their everyday life They are familiar with the blogging format Easy for both teachers and students to use Engaging, interactive and motivating Increases time on task Links students, family members, friends, and colleagues around the globe


Creating a Blog :Creating a Blog Visit www.blogger.com


Creating a Blog (1) :Creating a Blog (1) Fill in all fields: User name, password, blog name, email address, accept terms. Click on CONTINUE. However, if you already have an account from Gmail, Google Groups, or Orkut, instead of doing the above, click on sign in first.


Creating a Blog (2) :Creating a Blog (2) Name your blog Enter your blog title, blog address (URL), word verification. Click on CONTINUE.


Creating a Blog (3) :Creating a Blog (3) Select a template (colors, layouts) Click on CONTINUE.


Creating a Blog (4) :Creating a Blog (4) Your blog has been created - Click on START POSTING.


Inviting Blog Members (1) :Inviting Blog Members (1) Click on Settings.


Inviting Blog Members (2) :Click on Permissions. Inviting Blog Members (2)


Inviting Blog Members (3) :Inviting Blog Members (3) Click on ADD AUTHORS.


Inviting Blog Members (4) :Inviting Blog Members (4) Enter your students’ complete email addresses Click on INVITE to send the blog invitation to your students.


Joining the Blog (1) :Joining the Blog (1) Students will receive an e-mail invitation with a link to the registration site.


Joining the Blog (2) :Joining the Blog (2) If you are a Blogger user, sign in with your username and password. If you are not a Blogger user, you will have to create an account.


Posting a Blog Entry :Posting a Blog Entry Type the title & text message and then click on PUBLISH POST.


Posting a Photo in Your Blog (1) :Posting a Photo in Your Blog (1) Click on the image icon, which is indicated with a box showing a picture with a blue sky. You’ll find this icon in between the ABC checkmark and the Add Video icon.


Posting a Photo in Your Blog (2) :Posting a Photo in Your Blog (2) Click on Browse and select your image. Click on Upload image.


Adding a Hyperlink (1) :Adding a Hyperlink (1) Click on the hyperlink icon, which is indicated with a picture of a chain link and globe.


Adding a Hyperlink (2) :Adding a Hyperlink (2) Type in the URL and then click on Publish Post.


Sample Ed Tech Blogs :Sample Ed Tech Blogs EN100 – Fundamentals of College English, Fall 2007 ED647 – Special Topics in Language and Literacy, Fall 2007 ED661 – Second Language Theory and Development, Fall 2007 ED484G – The Art and Craft of Teaching Writing, Spring 2007 ED641 – Language and Literacy Development, Spring 2007 ED646 – Organization and Supervision of Reading Programs, Spring 2007 ED636 – Utilizing Media Resources in Instruction, Fall 2006 ED640 – Language and Literacy Development, Fall 2006 Meriwether Lewis Elementary School, Portland, Oregon. http://lewiselementary.org


Course Reflections :Course Reflections


More Course Reflections :More Course Reflections


Using the Comments Feature (1) :Using the Comments Feature (1) Click on the comments link.


Using the Comments Feature (2) :Using the Comments Feature (2) Type in your comment and then click on PUBLISH YOUR COMMENT.


Using the Editing Feature (1) :Using the Editing Feature (1) Click on Edit.


Using the Editing Feature (2) :Using the Editing Feature (2) Edit as necessary, and then click on Publish Post.


Application :Application As you create your class blog, consider the following: What are your instructional objectives? How will you set up guidelines for proper use of the blog? How will you assess your students? Do all participants have the resources to engage in your class blog?


Conclusion :Conclusion Good luck as you create your class blog! If you have further questions, feel free to contact me at mnrivera1@yahoo.com. THANK YOU for your attention.


References :References Educational Bloggers Network. http://www.ebn.weblogger.com Meriwether Lewis Elementary School, Portland, Oregon. http://lewiselementary.org New Media Consortium (NMC). http://www.nmc.net/projects/dkc/itb_main.shtml Shelton, G. (2006). Blogs help personalize information sharing in online and in-person classes. The University of Arizona: Center for Computing and Information Technology.