A Guide to Using Blogs

Tracey Coles, ITRTHuguenot High School

Part I: Overview

What is a Blog?

A term that comes from web logs. Web logs are simply websites that can be easily updated. The use of blogs allows for instantaneous publishing to the internet and access to a world wide audience.

An online journal that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption.

How can I use it in my classroom?

Class Portal

Online Filing Cabinet

E-Portfolio

Collaborative Space

Knowledge Management and Articulation

How much does it cost?

If you’re a teacher it’s absolutely FREE!

Part II: Signing Up

1. In your web browser type in www.edublogs.org

2. Click “Get your free blog now”

3. Complete registration information

4. Click “Start blogging”

Part III: Blogging

Creating a blog postAt the top left hand corner click “+ New”

Select a title for the post and begin blogging

You can also upload files or insert links to make it easier to find particular content later.

Click “Publish”

Adding Features

The left hand menu also allows you to add posts, media, links, pages, comments and wikis.

Editing

The appearance tab allows you to change the appearance of your blog.

Here you can upload widgets, add your own menus, and change your background, header and preferences.

The background color can also be changed using this menu as well.

Part IV: Other Neat Things

Sites

Click the “My Sites” button to add more blog sites.

Views

Click on the name of your blog to switch between your dashboard and your actual blog site.

Comments

Click the “Comment Icon” tab at the top of the page to view all comments

Part V: Other Resources

For additional ideas about how to use Blogs click the “edublogs” tab.

http://help.edublogs.org/user-guide/

https://www.21classes.com/

http://oedb.org/library/features/top-100-education-blogs