Blogs

=**BLOGGING **=

**Why Blog? **
Why blog? Kids love blogging. Students are motivated to chat virtually with friends. They are motivated when seeing their words, images, or video works published on the web. Blogs offer innovative ways to engage in reflective writing on classroom topics in a familiar medium. Blogs represent a democratization of information dissemination allowing all to express their ideas while learning civility in the classroom-controlled virtual environment. Students know others are reading and may write more credibly, accurately, and carefully. Blogs allow others to respond, providing feedback to the authors. As an educator with a Blog, you can: 1) Have a virtual on-line space where you can share information, videos, and photos. 2) Facilitate online discussions; 3) Share materials and resources with your students and/or colleagues.

 Possible uses for a classroom blog include:
 * Posting assignments for students and including links to educational websites that will enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of concepts and topics discussed in class
 * Keeping parents informed of what’s going on in the classroom
 * Posting class-related information such as calendars, events, homework assignments


 * Topic: Blogs**
 * Workshop Length:** 1 Hour
 * Workshop Materials:** Computer Lab or Laptops, Projector
 * Max Number Of Participants:** 15
 * Short Description:** In this workshop, participants will learn how to register for a blog account, understand the component of a blog, create a blog, upload and embed photos and videos, brainstorm ideas on how to use Blogs in the classroom
 * Goals Of Workshop:** Participants will
 * 1) Register for a blog account
 * 2) Understand the components of a blog
 * 3) Create your own blog
 * 4) learn how to upload and embed photos and videos
 * 5) Brainstorm Ideas for use of blogs in the classroom


 * Format of Workshop:** hands on, discussion, demonstration, project based
 * Alignment with District Goals**: This workshop supports the 2006-2009 Salem School District Technology Plan by matching the skills gained to the following technology plan goals.

__**Teaching and Learning Goals **__ All teachers will use technology to improve instruction and student assessment. __**Literacy Goals **__ Literacy represents the ability to responsibly employ appropriate technology to access, process, and communicate information.  Students and Staff will:
 * Teachers and administrators will use technology to collect and analyze student assessment data
 * Demonstrate basic technology operations and concepts
 * Effectively express ideas using suitable media