Blogging!

Blogging:A Literature Project: 

Blogging: A Literature Project Patricia Perrou ECI 511

What is a blog?: 

What is a blog? Short for: Web Log

Blog Defined: 

Blog Defined “A public web site where users post informal journals of their thoughts, comments, and philosophies, updated frequently and normally reflecting the views of the blog's creator.” -from WorldWideLearn (http://www.worldwidelearn.com/elearning-essentials/elearning-glossary.htm#b)

Blog Defined: 

Blog Defined “A short form for weblog, a frequent and chronological publication of comments and thoughts on the web. They usually include philosophical reflections, opinions on the Internet and social or political issues.” -from ePolitix.com (http://www.epolitix.com/NR/exeres/0CE8163A-7446-43D7-A038-91C95E078E97,frameless.htm)

Literature Project Purpose: 

Literature Project Purpose This project is designed to promote intelligent discussion about high-level literature through the use of blogs. Technology motivates students to participate because it is different from face-to-face discussions used in the classroom.

Literature ProjectStep One: 

Literature Project Step One The teacher goes to a blog site and sets up the blog. Some possible sites for setting up blogs are: www.blogger.com www.blogmeister.com www.bloglines.com

Literature Project Step Two: 

Literature Project Step Two The teacher creates a basic template for the blog. The template should be pretty basic and straightforward so the content will be the focus rather than the appearance of the page.

Literature ProjectStep Three: 

Literature Project Step Three The teacher makes the blog private. This setting protects students by making the blog accessible only to those who have the address and are members. This also prevents the blog from being searchable on the web which prevents ‘outsiders’ from intruding. This project is meant just for students in the class that is participating.

Literature ProjectStep Four: 

Literature Project Step Four The teacher creates a setting which allows for comment moderation. This means that all comments from students will be sent to the teacher via email before they are posted on the blog. The teacher can accept or reject any comments.

Literature ProjectStep Five: 

Literature Project Step Five The teacher creates some posts about specific books that he/she wants students to discuss. It is good to start off with a few that students have read and like so they will be eager to begin discussing them.

Literature Project Step Six: 

Literature Project Step Six Students are given guidelines and procedures for posting on the blog. Examples of some possible rules: Use correct grammar and spelling. Do not use inappropriate language. Stay on topic – discussing the book. Do not criticize others’ ideas – you may respectfully disagree.

Literature ProjectStep Seven: 

Literature Project Step Seven Students log in to the blog and begin posting comments. (Remember, postings will not show up instantly – they go to the teacher first for approval.) It may take awhile before intelligent discussions emerge, but they will. The teacher should jump in the discussions as a participant to encourage students to elaborate on specific ideas.

Literature ProjectStep Eight: 

Literature Project Step Eight Students continue to discuss books on the blog. The teacher continues to add new books for students to blog about. This project can continue throughout the year with new books and topics being added.

Why blog?: 

Why blog? According to SupportBlogging, blogging: helps students find a voice creates enthusiasm for writing and communication engages students in conversation and learning provides an opportunity to teach about responsible journalism empowers students (http://supportblogging.com/Educational+Blogging)

References: 

References WorldWideLearn (http://www.worldwidelearn.com/elearning-essentials/elearning-glossary.htm#b) ePolitix.com (http://www.epolitix.com/NR/exeres/0CE8163A-7446-43D7-A038-91C95E078E97,frameless.htm) SupportBlogging (http://supportblogging.com/Educational+Blogging) David Warlick’s 2¢ Worth (http://davidwarlick.com/2cents/index.php)