What is a Blog?

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The word "blog" comes from two words: web log.  The nature of a blog encourages participation from many authors.  There is often a post written by one person, which is then responded to by others on the blog site.  This kind of participation can be very beneficial to a community of learners found in the classroom.  Instead of a traditional writing prompt that students respond to in class and then turn in on paper, a blog can make that response viewable by classmates.  Students can then collaborate and respond to one another, benefiting the entire class.  The teacher is no longer the sole instructor for the students.  They can teach one another through this tool.

How can a Blog be created?

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There are many options for educators to create a class blog.  The style choices are really up to the author.  These sites can be used to create a blog that is simple to edit and make it easy to reply to posts by students and teachers.

Try the some of the suggestions listed below to find what style works best for you and your students.

Suggested Classroom Blog Sites:

  • Weebly: This is a very user-friendly website/blog page.  There is an option to create a website that allows comments to post at the discretion of the author.  This website has a very visually appealing interface and teachers can easily create a very professional looking website.  An example of a Weebly website/blog can be found here.
  • Wordpress: This is a traditional blog that allows a person to edit, add, and respond with comments.  There are some advanced features that require a paid subscription, but many nice features can be accessed without cost.  An example of a Wordpress Blog can be found here.
  • Blogspot: This blog site is run through Google's Blogger site.  It is fairly easy to set up and has an easy interface to view and comment on the posts.  An example of a Blogspot blog can be found here.

Uses:

1.  Students can collaborate with one another in class, sharing their thinking with one another as well as their teacher.
2.  Feedback can be quickly given with varied perspectives.  Students are accountable for what they post, knowing it will be viewed by everyone gives them reason to carefully edit their work.
3.  Students are prepared with 21st century skills.  This medium has become more familiar to the world.  Being able to express their writing in this way will be a critical skill as they prepare for college and/or careers!

Limitations:

1.  Blogs are public, personal information must be carefully guarded.
2.  Regular access to the internet may be limited in some students' homes.

Documentation:

Make sure that you have parent permission to publish student work on your blog.  Canyons District uses the form below.  Be sure that all affected students return this form to the school's office.
student_release_form_web.pdf
File Size: 196 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Links:

Introduction to Blogging
TeachersFirst Blog Ideas