Unit+5



In this unit we will explore the world of blogs and how they can be used in the classroom. You can either create a blog in this unit or just choose to explore the many great resources that are out there for blogging. Whatever you choose to do, make it a great unit and learn something new and exciting to incorporate into your classroom and everyday lessons. The best of luck to you!! Before you start exploring what blogs are, make sure to watch this amusing video about wiki and blogs. I am sure you will like this one. It is also found on the class Moodle.

[|Blogs vs. Wikis video] This video is quite entertaining but may also give you insight on blogs vs. wiki use.

[|What is a blog?] This is a great article that explains what blogs truly are.

[|Answers to what a blog is] Problogger gives some great insight on what a blog is

[|Blogs in Plain English] This video will give you a good explanation to what a blog is and how to us it.

[|Blogs in Education] This is a great learning object to show what a blog is and how they can be utilized in education

[|More blogging in education] This is a wonderful PowerPoint that discusses more about blogs and their uses in education

[|Blogging is Learning] This is a slide show that was created to introduce teachers to blogging and its power in education

[|Blog Etiquette] This article gives insight on how we need to act while on a blog and we are engaged in blogging. It also gives insight on how our students should interact as well. Manners are no longer just for the dinner table.

[|Learning Etiquette] This great learning object will help you understand more about blog etiquette and why it is so important to both adults and students.

[|Following blogs] This great website will show you how to follow your favorite blogs that you find online. Keeping up with changes has never been so easy.

[|What is RSS?] Using RSS or Real Simple Syndication makes staying on top of your favorite blogs a piece of cake.

[|Awards] Here are some awards in blogging and wikis that may inspire you to create a blog or find one to follow that you really like

Creating blogs for your classroom is another wonderful tool to help your students with 21st century skills and collaborative efforts both in and away from the classroom. Here are two popular blog sites for education.
 * __ Edublogs __**

[|Edublogs homepage] This is where your Edublog adventure begins if you choose to create one

[|Edublog video tutorial] This site will help you to get the Edublog train rolling in your classroom Edublog tutorial site This is a great wiki dedicated to getting your Edublog rolling

[|Help is here!] This PDF will be a great addition to your collection for adding to your blog and/or wiki

[|10 ways to use Edublogs] This website will give you some great ideas on how to incorporate your blog into your curriculum

Althought Blogspot isn't designed for educational use like Edublogs is, it is still a great site to use. I do use it for educational purposes and it is just as safe and reliable. **__ Blogspot__**

[|Blogspot homepage] This is where the fun begins if you want to create a blog using Blogspot

[|A Blogspot tour] This is a quick tour through the Blogspot site [|Great video tutorial] This is a great video done by a support staff member from Blogger

[|Another great video tutorial] This video will also be helpful on setting up a blog

[|Reading Olympics] This is the Reading Olympics site that I helped create for my school. Students use it daily for Reading Olympics

Here are some additional sites on blogging that will hopefully give you some other ideas and inspiration for the creation and use of blogs

[|Top blogs] Top 100 educational blogs. This is an awesome site and a great resource

[|Top Educational Technology Blogs] This is Kathy Schrock's top pick for educational technology blogs

[|More top blogs] These are the top dogs in the blog world

[|100 Top Blogs for Educators] This is a great site for teachers looking for blogs

[|Inspiration to start blogging] This is a great site to motivate you to start a blog for learning. Your students will benefit from it too

[|Help your students] Here is some more inspiration from the folks at Edutopia

[|Legal issues and blogging] Some important questions on the overall legal use of blogs are brought up and answered here. ** This is a must read! **

[|Another great blog site] Here is another site that you can go to create an online learning environment for your students. If you didn't care for Edublogs or Blogspot, this is another alternative.

Please report any broken or "dead" links to jsgehrke@att.net. Thank you!