cag

=Blog If You Love Learning: An Introduction to Weblogs in Education=

Mark Wagner Educational Technology and Life mark@edtechlife.com

Slides
media type="file" key="Blogging CAG 2008.mov" View larger (or download in Quicktime format): [|Blogging CAG 2008.mov]

Outline
Interactive Demo
 * What is a blog?
 * What is the read/write web?
 * What do these technologies mean for you and your students?
 * View this post on today's date at http://edtechlife.com

The One-Way Web
 * Powerful resource for educators and students, but…
 * Information moves from publishers to consumers
 * Information cannot be edited
 * Read-Only Web
 * Web 1.0

The Two-Way Web
 * It is now as easy to create as it is to consume.
 * Anyone can publish, share, and change information
 * Read/Write Web
 * Web 2.0
 * This is changing our world!

Blogs
 * Web + Log = weblog or “we blog”
 * Easily created
 * Easily updated
 * If you can email, you can blog.
 * Blogs allow visitors to comment.

Educational Blogs
 * Teacher web sites [|Example]
 * Class web sites [|Example]
 * Learning journals [|Example]
 * Book Clubs [|Example]
 * Connect with Authors and Experts [|Example]
 * Pen Pals [|Example] (See Global Awareness and Cultural Literacy Through Electronic Dialog)
 * Professional Development [|Example]
 * Reflective Practice [|Example] (Also, don't miss [|David Warlick's blog].)
 * More Examples: [|http://www.supportblogging.com]

Subject Specific Examples
 * Algebra [|Example]
 * Art [|Example]
 * English [|Example]
 * Music [|Example]
 * Physical Ed. [|Example]
 * Science [|Example]
 * Social Studies [|Example]

Better Blogging
 * Read (Or Do), Reflect, Write, Respond
 * Develop voice (and identity)
 * Educational Role-Play
 * Make a contribution
 * Make connections
 * Blog as a backup brain
 * [|25 Basic Styles of Blogging (and when to use each one)]

Benefits
 * Engagement and Motivation
 * Context
 * Inquiry
 * Collaboration
 * Reflection and Metacognition

Additional GATE Benefits
 * Discovery and Self-Directed Learning
 * Discussion and Debate
 * Depth and Complexity
 * Continuity and Comprehensiveness
 * Ethical Standards
 * Social and Emotional Development
 * Unique and Original Expressions
 * Positive Self Concepts
 * Differentiated...

Concerns
 * [|Information Literacy]
 * Inappropriate Content
 * Inappropriate Sharing
 * [|Threats and Cyber-bullying]
 * Intellectual Property (Check out [|creativecommons.org] for alternative licensing.)
 * [|Fraud and Identity Theft]
 * [|Stalkers and Predators]
 * Free Speech Concerns
 * [|Lack of Understanding]
 * More Internet Awareness and Safety Resources: http://internetawareness.wikispaces.com

Proactive Strategies
 * Citizen Journalism and Citizen Police Work
 * Legal Protections
 * Safety Tips for Students
 * Safety Tips for Parents
 * Communication and Empathy

Reflection
 * What do you see as obstacles to your use of blogs in your class?
 * What might you do to overcome these obstacles?

Blog Search Engines: [|Technorati.com] [|Google Blog Search]

Next Steps: RSS - http://reallysimple.wikispaces.com Wikis - http://wikiwhileyouwork.wikispaces.com Podcasting - http://podcastined.wikispaces.com