Blogging+with+21+Classes

=Welcome to Blogging with 21 Classes.= We will explore the many possibilities for using blogs with your classes, and you will have the opportunity to set up a blog portal for your classes at [|21classes.com]. Objectives:
 * explain the benefits of using a blog
 * determine ways to use a blog in the classroom
 * become familiar with blog dashboard and portal
 * navigate the 21 Classes website and begin setting up a class blog site

Introduction What experiences do we already have with blogging? [|www.mytb.org/jonick/]

Let's start with this short video from [|www.commoncraft.com/blogs]: http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=e2f1c033865fba89f624 What are some benefits of blogging for students?


 * Communication across distances.
 * Motivates students.
 * Students are interactive.
 * Communication without pencil and paper.
 * Allows the students to teach the teacher.
 * 24 hours and always available.
 * Down with the JOURNALS!
 * Authentic Audience
 * Formal and Informal writing promotes VOICE
 * Reinforces typing skills
 * Polishes the writing and promotes mechanics.
 * Insert images relevant to the posting.
 * Book chats
 * Exchange ideas
 * Feedback
 * Review
 * Challenge Math problem
 * List resources and/or links

Look at these examples of student blogs: http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=7dce86bab6d4d613b667

How do you envision using blogging in your classes? What types of assignments or activites could be implemented through blogging?

Let's take a look at [|21Classes.com] http://21classes.com/shop/features

Explore Dashboard and Portal Create account?

Closing Video: http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=be6ec9b852b0a542e2f3 For downloading the videos you need to install Macromedia Flash: http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/about/

Additional articles/thoughts on blogging: 1. http://porquoipas.blogspot.com/2006/09/on-teaching-literature-with-blogging.html 2. http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/eli3010.pdf 3. https://mywebspace.wisc.edu/avee/web/blog_benefits.html 4. Top 10 Reasons to Blog with Students http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=fbf78748d4d51529610b