Blogs are websites containing entries (called “posts”) which appear in reverse chronological order, with the most recent post at the top of the page. Traditional websites require a bit of tech know-how, but blogs are easy to create and can be maintained by almost anyone, making them a great choice for classroom and educational use. Blogs first appeared as personal online journals, but now are used for all purposes and by all types of people, including organizations. Watch this video to learn more about blogs:
If you can't see the video, click here to watch it on the Common Craft website.
To complete Thing 2 you must:
A. Create your own blog
B. Register your blog in the 23 Things project
C. Reflect on Things 1 and 2 on your new blog
A. Create Your Blog
Now that you have an idea of what blogs are, let's see how easy it is to create your own! This is an important task, as you will be using your blog to reflect on your progress throughout this 23 Things program. At the end of each Thing, you will be asked to post to your blog – and project facilitators will read your blog to verify that you have completed all tasks.
There are many blog services available. We will be using Blogger. Watch the following video to learn how to set up your blog, then go to Blogger and create your own. To sign in to Blogger use your Google account information. Be creative when naming your blog – do not just call it "23 Things."
B. Register Your Blog
Once your blog is created, you must register your blog address by completing the following form. Remember, your blog address is "_________.blogspot.com" - it's the unique address you gave your blog when you created it. Be sure to click the Submit button after you've entered your information.
Once you've registered your blog, within 24 hours, it will be listed under “Participant Blogs” in right-side column of this website. That's so others can see what you’re doing – an important part of becoming an online community of learners.
Note: If you are just browsing this website as a guest, please do not register your blog address. You may work your way through the Things, but facilitators will not be monitoring your blog.
C. Reflect - Blog Prompts for Thing 1 & Thing 2
At the end of each Thing, you will be asked to post to your blog. Your reflective post should provide insight into what you’ve discovered and learned. Write about what worked, what didn’t, what you might try in your classroom, any surprises, frustrations, or eureka moments. We will offer some blog prompts. You do not have to answer all the questions nor should you feel limited by them -- they are just prompts to get you thinking. Make sure that the title of each blog post refers to the Thing that you are writing about (by number) -- give this first post the title: Thing 1 and Thing 2
Why are you participating in 23 Things? What do you hope to learn? What new insights did you have during Thing 1? How does writing on the Internet, knowing anyone could read it, change how you write or feel about writing?
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ReplyDeleteHopefully when people/students realize that anyone can read what they've written (on the internet), it will make them more aware of what they're saying and how they're saying it.
ReplyDeleteI was unable to read the first thing!
ReplyDeleteOur students lives are saturated with technology. Although it is challenging the reward of centering our curriculum around technology is intriguing. Students' would love it! The first two things of the program do a good job explaining and introducing the relevance of taking the time to create more lessons that are just as saturated with technology as the learners everyday lives.
ReplyDeleteBlogging daily work will great for absent students to see what was missed and ask questions that myself and others can answer.
ReplyDeleteI am participating in 23 things to find out how to engage my students in the classroom through the use of technology. I had a difficult time setting up my blog but now that I have it up and running, I feel more comfortable. I am hoping I remember all this at a later date.
ReplyDeleteSo far, after an hour and a half, I've managed to get through two things! And that was with Michael's help! Couldn't read the article for thing 1 but the video was worthy. As a former publicist, I couldn't help but think about the creative team that put that together...promo/pr/marketing/advertising types who were charged with trying to convince us that without technology the teaching profession would implode! Really? While I'm eager to learn and plan to use what I can, I can't help but wonder what happened to people communicating with one another without technology. I'm all for technology but we also need to teach our students how to interact with one another on a personal level too.
ReplyDeleteI agree!! Even out and about I notice people aren't talking to each other...they are texting.
DeleteOK, here is my problem, perhaps someone else has a parallel experience. I began a blogspot blog earlier last year. I have added to it, practiced on it. However, I have e-mail through a major university that just switched it e-mail activities over to Google. The supposed benefit is that all subscribers get access to all of Google's features and apps. The problem is, I can no longer access my blog except as a follower. Not sure what to do here, but will keep trying. Otherwise, I start at square one in terms of creating a new blog (though I certainly know more now).
ReplyDeleteFor my administrators, I have kept hard copies of my reflections for each activity.
LFP
Why are you participating in 23 Things? I am participating as part of an online course through the Montana State Univeristy. What do you hope to learn? I want to learn fun ways to modivate and engage my students in learning. What new insights did you have during Thing 1? It was amazing to read about how far and how fast technology it moving. Our students are more advanced then we are and they will want to have technology included in the way we teach. How does writing on the Internet, knowing anyone could read it, change how you write or feel about writing? It doesn't for me, but I was always taught to never put anything in writing that you wouldn't want the world to see. But it is still a great reminder.
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