Classroom Blogging 101

So, you're ready to jump into the world of blogging? Fear not, getting started is easy!

Why Blog?

Reason #1
Blogging is a quick and easy way for teachers to distribute information to students, parents, and other educators. For example, you can post assignment due dates, course notes, interesting articles or videos related to your course.

Reason #2
Blogging is an excellent forum for discussion. Post a thought-provoking question or picture, and have students respond in the blog or have students author their own blog, and post their reflections online. Moreover, blogs offer shy students an avenue to creatively participate in class discussions.

Reason #3
Students can demonstrate and record their learning on a blog, essentially creating a digital portfolio of what they have done in your class. Furthermore, students can view and learn from each other's blogs and parents, other teachers, and administrators will be able to see all of the wonderful work your students are doing!

Reason #4
It's FUN! You and your students can get creative and have fun with blogging.

How Do I Start?

Setting up a blog is easy. There are numerous free blogging services available such as Blogger, Edublogs, and ClassBlogs.

Blogger is a great option for beginners, as it is very easy to create, use, and navigate. To create a blog using Blogger:

1) Go to www.blogger.com
2) Sign up for a Google Account, or use your existing Google Account to sign in
3) Give your blog a name. Blogger will let you know if that name is available.
4) Choose a design template for your blog.

That's it! Now you're ready to start blogging! Just a couple of tips to get you on your way using Blogger:

Tip #1
The "Dashboard" is your home base. Here you will find access to your profile and blog settings, and options for your blog design and posts.

Tip #2
To post to your blog, click on NEW POST from the Dashboard. You can embed pictures and/or videos directly into your post.

Tip #3
Add gadgets to your blog by clicking on "Design" from the Dashboard, and then "Add a gadget". Try adding gadgets such as "Follow me by email" so that readers can stay up to date with new posts via email, or a"Search box" of content in your blog, or a "Poll" to find out what readers are thinking, or perhaps an "RSS" feed option for readers.

Here are some helpful videos that will also help you on your journey to blogging.

How to create a blog using Blogger


How to create a blog using Edublogs


Good luck, and have fun!