What is a blog?
Foremost, it is a communication tool. "Blog" is short for Web log and is usually used for online journaling. Now, more that ever individuals can participate in two way communication with audiences from around the world.

• Online media is controlled by the masses
• Our students are part of the masses
• Students feel empowered and motivated to participate
• Students will participate with or without us
• Communication is good
• Empowerment is good
• Guidance is good too!

So you ask, where is the educational value in this? Studies show that writing alone can increase student achievement and it is a cross-curricular endeavor. There is a large body of research on blogs and many are noted on this
Blog Research page.

Why should you care?

• Because your students do!
• It is one of the major ways 21st century learners communicate
• It gets your students writing
• It gives your students an authentic audience
• Promotes cooperative learning

Wanna Blog?
You will want to view this PowerPoint that focuses on Blogging in the Classroom. If you would like to have your own blog for classroom or school use, please contact the Instructional Technology Department so that we can help you set it up to publish to our district's web server and therefore being within the bounds of district policy.

Here is a collection of sample letters and a student contract you could edit to help communicate your intentions on the subject of blogging in your classroom.

• Working from Home
• Blogging Rules Contract
• Parent Permission

Floyd Geasland of PV Middle School is using blogging in his classroom. He created this great PowerPoint to help introduce blogging to his students and is willing to share it with you!

There are some free tutorials at Learning Blogger with: Molly E. Holzschlag including:

• What's a blog, really?
• Gathering your thoughts
• Creating your account
• Naming your blog
• Choosing a template

Blogging in the Classroom Course Material

• Blogging in the Classroom Presentation
• Blogging Best Practices
• Uses for Blogs in the Classroom
• Blog Planning Document
• Blog Evaluation Rubric
• Navigation Removal Instructions
• Lesson Plan Template

Blogs of Interest
There are thousands of blogs on the Internet that may be of interest to you and your students. Here are just a few to get you started.

• Webblogg-ed
• The ABC Book on Blogging
• Moving at the Speed of Creativity
• Speaking of History...
• Teach Story
• Remote Access
• NYC Educator

Ready to set up a Blog?

Contact Jenny Gridley at 973-4501 or email at jgridley@usd259.net.