Student+Blogging

=Student Blogging= toc

**Benefits of Student Blogging**
(adapted from Penn State University's [|Instructor Tips for Student Blogging])
 * 1) Gives students the chance to reflect on class discussions, unit topics, advising topics, community service projects, etc.
 * 2) Improves written communication skills
 * 3) Allows students the opportunity to establish a positive online portfolio.
 * 4) Gives students the opportunity to write for a global audience and to form connections with people all over the world.

Blogging Acceptable Use Guide
I think it makes sense to develop a set of good, solid guidelines for people consider prior to starting out with blogs. Please offer your suggestions for a blogging acceptable use policy below:
 * 1) Use your blog as a tool to showcase your talents. Consider it a [|resume] that you will eventually use to separate yourself from the crowd when it comes time to applying for college or a job.
 * 2) Avoid writing anything that you don't want your parents, adviser, or college admissions personnel to read.
 * 3) Be smart about the user name and password set you create when setting up your account. Pick a simple user name - be sure it is one you would be willing to share during the college application process. [|Pick a strong password] (6-8 characters in length) that is a random combination of letters, numbers and characters. Never share your account password with anyone.
 * 4) Do not publish information that is threatening, demeaning, harrasing, defamatory, or [|libelous]. Be mindful of the fact that you are accountable for what you say/write online. If someone leaves an offensive comment on your blog, be sure to remove the comment, report the incident to the host of the blogging service, and tell an adult immediately.
 * 5) When commenting on the posts of other students, be kind and avoid personal attacks even if it something you strongly disagree with.

The following PSA carries an extremely powerful message regarding online postings. It urges us to think carefully about the kinds of things we post online. media type="youtube" key="N80nUa7rhYw" width="425" height="350"

Blog Software Controls
//Using blog software-How to use the software to control the experience//
 * 1) Change the settings on your blog to limit the readership and who is able to leave comments. I suggest limiting who can leave comments at your blog to people who have a registered account with the blogging service.
 * 2) Some blogging tools have a feature that prevents automated spamming computer systems from leaving comments on your blog. This feature is referred to as “[|word verification],” and I recommend turning this on. Word verification requires that a user completes a word verification step prior to creating a post or comment. This makes your blog less susceptible to unwanted comments from these spam systems.
 * 3) Read the help sections of the blog if you have questions. The help files have nice ideas on using the various settings and features of your blog. Some blog services even have a little overview tour of their service. Sometimes this is in the form of a video or a series of web pages. Take a look at these tours prior to starting out.

**What to Blog About**

 * 1) Read other student blogs before you start you own. As you read them, think about what you like about their blog (both in terms of appearance and content). Think about how you'll setup your blog and what you'll write about.
 * 2) Read blogs on topics that you are interested in. This will help you to formulate an idea about what to blog about.
 * 3) When you have your blog topic selected, read the news about your topic. Items in the news are a great starting point for considering blog posts.

Tips for Student Bloggers

 * See the good tips and suggested at this [|college student's blog]

Considerations for Blogging

 * 1) Please, no last names, addresses, IM screen names etc.
 * 2) Do not link to your personal blog/journal from your school blog; you might reveal information there that you don’t want to reveal on your school blog.
 * 3) If you want to write your opinion on a topic, make sure you’re not going to be offensive as you write it.
 * 4) Always make sure you check over your post for spelling errors, grammar errors, and your use of words. Paste your post in a word processor and run spellcheck, or download a spellchecker for your browser.
 * 5) Never disrespect someone else in your blog, whether it’s a person, an organization, or just a general idea. You don’t want someone making a stab at what you are passionate about; don’t do it to someone else.
 * 6) Don’t write about other people without permission; if you can’t get their permission, use first names only. Never share someone else’s last name.
 * 7) Watch your language! This is part of our school community. Language that is inappropriate in school is also inappropriate in your blog.
 * 8) Make sure things you write about are factual. Don’t be posting about things that aren’t true. Link to your sources.
 * 9) Keep it education-oriented. That means that you probably shouldn’t discuss your plans for the weekend, the last dance etc.

Adapted from [|http://patterson.edublogs.org/all-about-blogs/]

[|Support Blogging!]

 * Great, great site on all things associated with educational blogging.