1. Weblogs in the Classroom By Monika Brinkmann

2. Have you ever found yourself stumped trying to think of new ways to reach out to your students??

3. Then try using Weblogs! A weblog is a “Web site that consists of a series of entries arranged in reverse chronological order, often updated on frequently with new information about particular topics. The information can be written by the site owner, gleaned from other Web sites or other sources, or contributed by users”. http://searchsoa.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid26_gci213547,00.html#

6. Ok, let’s begin… First you must go to a blogging website, such as Blogger (www.blogger.com)

7. Setting up the account is as easy as setting up an email account. Once you are ready, you can create posts just like creating a PowerPoint or a Word document.

8. The site is easy to use and customize. Under the “Settings” tab, you can configure who you want to allow to post comments. This is important because you will want to keep your blog between you and your students.

9. One nice aspect of Blogger is that it gives teachers the ability to approve/disapprove of students’ posts before they are made public. The teacher has the control to push the “publish” button his or herself, so that nothing inappropriate gets put online. PUBLISH

10. Classroom Uses of Weblogs 1 – Post previously written works. Have students compare and contrast the technical proficiency of artists. (Standard 1.4.8.B.2) 2 – Display works of art along with a timeline of history and have the students discuss how cultural influences add to the understanding of works of art. (Standard 1.5.8.B.2) 3 – Post a math Problem of the Week and have students work out a solution collaboratively. This enables them to communicate their mathematical thinking coherently and clearly to peers, teachers, and others in writing. (Standard 4.5.8.B.2) 4 – After a science lab, have students post their findings and discuss their similarities/differences and why they might have occurred. (Standard 5.1.8.A.2) 5 – Have students carry on a dialogue in a foreign language so that they ask and respond to simple questions, make requests, and express preferences using memorized words and phrases. (Standard 7.1.B.3)