Blogger


 * Blogger**

**I ntroduction of Tool and Benefits ** Blogger is a free web tool that makes it easy to instantly publish weblogs or “blogs.” Blogs are simple web pages, often made up of short, informal, posts that are frequently updated. Blogger makes it simple to create personal blogs, post text, video and pictures. Blogger also facilitates comments feedback on blogs. If you have a Google account, you may use it to login to blogger. >  ** Weaknesses and Challenges: ** > Example of Application Tool in the Classroom **
 * Benefits**
 * It is free.
 * You can control who is allowed to view and comment on your blog.
 * Teachers can create private blogs only viewable by their students and/or parents.
 * Teachers can post assignments, lessons, projects, and resource links to a blog. "I forgot my homework at school" is no longer an authentic excuse.
 * Parents no long have to guess what their child is working on, it is all viewable on the blog.
 * Teachers can share lesson plans, ideas, and resources with fellow teachers via a blog.
 * Students may keep reflective journals on a blog or participate in group projects with other student.
 * [|Why Let Our Students Blog Video - the benefits of student blogs]
 * Not every student has a computer and/or internet access at home.
 * A teacher must be checking blogs daily for inappropriate posts, even though they have the power to delete a post or block a person from commenting, a teacher does not have full control. For example, [|21classes] another blog tool, lets the teacher preview each comment before it gets published to the blog.
 * Some parents may not want their child participating in a blog.
 * What you post on a blog could come back to haunt you if it is inappropriate, especially if viewed by a future employer.
 * [|Example] of a class blog that keep parents up to date with weekly happenings in a classroom.
 * [|Example] of a teacher using a blog as a reflective journal.
 * [|Example] of a Technology Facilitator using a blog as a reflective journal.
 * [|Example] of using Blogger to teach about Blogger safety and permission settings.
 * [|Example] of students using a blog as a reflective journal.
 * [|Example] of an individual student blog.

**Example of Application in my online class**: This September each student in my new Connections class will be setting up an individual blog where they must write reflections on the current unit we are studying. They will be required to blog once a week and comment on at least 2 other student blogs/week while making sure to respond to any comments on their personal blog. I want to start by laying some ground rules and letting them personalize their blogs as a "getting to know you" activity. Students will be able to **: ** Final Thoughts ** Blogging can be a very powerful assessment tool for all ages. It allows students to sharpen 21st century skills and collaborate with other students in their school or around the world. However, before students begin blogging they must know the ground rules of blogging and how to blog as safely as possible.
 * Review examples of student blogs.
 * Explain the value of blogging as an assessment tool.
 * Create a RSS feedburner account so that others may be updated every time their blog is updated.
 * Become familiar with the rules of blogging.
 * Become familiar with personalizing their blog using blogger tool bar.
 * Become familiar with commenting on another student's blog.
 * Model how to respond to a comment placed on your blog.
 * Manage their time spent blogging and responding to comments