Blogging


 * Blogging with students in an educational environment has several benefits. **


 * When students are writing a blog post, they are writing for an authentic audience. The typical writing assignment consists of a student writing on a particular topic; they hand it in for the teacher to read and grade; it gets handed back to the student and, perhaps, makes its way home for a parent to see. When students write a blog and post it online, they are writing for a significantly larger audience. Therefore, they are much more likely to put their best writing forward for the world to see.
 * Blogging can also be quite engaging. We are all aware that students have become enamored with social networking, and blogging embraces that social aspect while focusing on the students' writing. Blogs allow for interaction between writer an reader. Comments and questions between author and audience is encouraged!
 * Blogging can also help certain students find their voice. While some students thrive on class discussion and speaking in front of others, there are some students that need the comfort of the written word to express themselves or ask questions. Blogging, because it is online, can accommodate those students who require a little more low-pressure setting in order to articulate their thoughts.
 * One possible concern for teachers could be the tendency for students to use "text speak" in their writing. There needs to be clear expectations set that this is a formal writing setting and should be treated as such. There is a time and place for "text speak" and this is not it. Be clear and up front with students!

Publish an original story/work Book reviews Response to a piece of reading/writing/video from class Blog as a literary/historical character A weekly recap of class An end-of-unit review
 * Possible blogging topics: **

Kidblog 21Classes Edublogs Class Blogmeister <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Blogger
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">The following is a list of possible platforms to use for a class blog: **

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">**The following link is for a nice comparison chart of educational blogging platforms:** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Blogging Platform Comparison Chart