Blogging in the Classroom

I have previously created a set of instructions here explaining how to get started creating a blog. Feel free to print them off. I have come across another terrific resource. It is an excellent screen cast series of step by step instructions explaining how to set yourself up with a Blogger.com Blog.

Jumping into the world of using Web 2.0 tools there is a mountain of ideas to sort through in getting started. A really good network of bloggers is essential way to keep rooted. There are so many great software applications some one needs to guide your learning. If you don’t you are likely to run away screaming. If you haven’t found classroom 2.0 take a look and sign up. Discussion forums, resources, your own blog are all available free. I am working with two young teachers helping them work with parents and setting up their first classroom blog. There a few teachers that I would like to highlight.First www.MrWaxlersClass.com. Adam Waxler has used a simple Kubrick default theme for his Wordpress blog. Unlike man other teachers, over at edublogs.com, Mr. Waxler chose to host his website as a distinct domain name. Makes good sense. As you become more proficient and your blog gets bigger the only price tag you will need to worry about his your web hosting package. I found that www.dreamhost.com offers a very reasonable package with lots of “goodies”. Take a peek and let them know I sent you - they give out referral fees. You can do the same thing and reduce the cost of your hosting fees.I want to walk through Mr. Waxler’s blog and why I think that it is a good example of where to start. It is extremely helpful for students and their parents. Homework for the week at a glance. Good resources to help with parenting skills. Most importantly it is simple to update. When you get the hang of blogging you can add the bells and whistles like this web site www.masterymaze.com The author of Masterymaze is looking for other teachers to help build a library of subject specific podcasts.A helping hand can be found from Anne Pemberton@ www.educationalsynthesis.org and Kathy Epps and her BlogDay resource.