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LIVE TO LEARN

Maryville Blogs

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What we’re going to cover

• What is a blog?• What can I do with a blog?• How to get started• Blog usability tips• Q & A

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What is a blog

• Web + Log = Blog

• A blog is a website where entries are made in journal style and displayed in a reverse chronological order. Blogs often provide commentary or news on a particular subject, such as food, politics, or local news; some function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of most early blogs. http://www.sussexlearningnetwork.org.uk

• There is no need to define 'blog.' I doubt there ever was such a call to define 'newspaper' or 'television' or 'radio' or 'book' -- or, for that matter, 'telephone' or 'instant messenger.' A blog is merely a tool that lets you do anything from change the world to share your shopping list. ….Blogs are whatever we make them. Defining 'blog' is a fool's errand.“ - Jeff Jarvis, the veteran print journalist and prominent blogger behind BuzzMachine http://www.ojr.org/ojr/stories/050929/

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Blogs in Plain English

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What can I do with a blog?

Personal blog: • Political opinions• Build reputation• Personal reflection• Collaboration/Draft sites

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What can I do with a blog?

Department blog: • Disseminate information• Collect feedback

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What can I do with a blog?

Project blogs: • Disseminate information• Collect feedback

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What can I do with a blog?

Newsletters and online Magazines: • Blogs don’t have to look

like blogs!

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What can I do with a blog?

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What can I do with a blog?

Case Western Reserve University• Staff members share information about their departments• Faculty members use them to share ideas and engage students• Students blog about campus life, overseas experiences, athletic activities• Alumni discuss careers, political views, expertise an a field

Case Western Reserve University is using blogs to demonstrate how these individual voices come together to present a richer portrait of university life.

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Getting Started

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Blog Usability Tips

• Pick a topic• Allow readers to contact you• Be yourself• Encourage comments• Include an ‘about’ page• Link abundantly• Offer related articles• Post regularly

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Q & A

Thank You.What questions do you have?