Blog Training

1. Definition of a Blog:

Wikipedia Definition: A blog (an abridgment of the term web log) is a website, usually maintained by an individual, with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.
Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others 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 many blogs. As of December 2007, blog search engine Technorati was tracking more than 112 million blogs.

Review the following resources:

• PBS Teachers on Blogs - by Andy Carvin Internet activist, author, Edtech expert


• Blogs in Plain English Video Created by "leelefever" on TeacherTube


• 6 & 7 Year Olds Define Blogs– A TeacherTube video titled, "What's a Blog, Described by 6 & 7 Year Olds". Students from Nelson, New Zealand educate you about what they think a blog is, how they use them and what they love about them.

2. Reasons to have a Blog:

A blog is a web page that's easy to publish and an interactive way to communicate. It can be a reflective practice for the author and readers. It’s an accessible way to share ideas, explore them, and take part in a larger community. It allows others to add input to the blog in a discussion or comment form. As you think about your reasons for having a blog, decide on your audience. Are you a classroom teacher trying to reach your parents? Are you an administrator wanting more collaborative communication with your staff? Are you planning to build a blog for your students to contribute to and interact with each other? In essence, the reason for having a blog is communication. In the words of James Humes, “The art of communication is the language of leadership.”

• Why Should Teachers Blog?by Chris Lehmann Principal of the Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia, PA


• Why Every Teacher Should Blog a series of posts by Darren Draper, Technology Specialist Sandy, UT Reason 1 - Reason 2 - Reason 3 - Reason 4 - Reason 5

As you think about the different purposes for a blog, keep in mind that this training is a short introduction. If you'd like to learn how to set up your own blog, I can do another half day or full day training.

Support Blogging Wiki-A wiki that contains links to multiple educational blogs. Categories include: Teacher blogs, Administrator blogs, Principal blogs, Librarian blogs and more. At first glance, it may be a little overwhelming. You don't have to look at every blog- just choose a few that interest you.

• Elementary Examples
  · Fifth Grade Web Writers Three fifth grade classes use a blog to supplement their learning
  · Mrs. Wagner's Class- Eva Wagner's blog for her Kindergarten Class
  · Willard East Elementary Blog A Principal's Staff Blog with Weekly News and Announcements
  · Write On- Mr. Monson's 5th grade blog, MN
  · Elementary Adapted PE- Ben Losey's blog

• Secondary Examples:
  · Ridgeview Pawcasts - Ridgeview Middle School initiative for podcasting
  · Dawn's Brain High School Web and Graphic Design teacher
  · Durff's Study Skills Blog A blog for 7th grade Study Skills students at a private school in Maryland
  · Ridgeview Partners in PE- Coach Kelly's blog
  · SP9 Partners in PE- Ben Losey's blog

Administrative Examples
· Principals' Office National Association of Elementary School Principals' (NAESP’s) blog that connects principals with their colleagues
· Almost Monday- Wildwood's Weekly Staff News from Puyallup School District, WA
· Greg's Blog -Greg Carroll, Principal in New Zealand
· The Woodland Brag Blog - Woodland Elementary Blog, by Principal Linda Perdaems, MN
· Mr. P's Blog Principal's Leadership Blog from DeGrazia Elementary School , AZ
· Independent School Counselor - Jeff Wolfsberg's Blog and Podcast
· IQ Corner - Dr. Kevin McGrew blogs about IQ testing
· To The Point - Principal Miller's Blog to Parents

Technology Specialists Examples· Technology Hints by Hintz - Technology Tips, Tricks, and How-To's by Gattis Elementary School's ITS
· Robin's Technology Tips - Integrating Technology One Classroom at a Time by Ridgeview Middle School's ITS
· All Bark, No Byte -Biting of more than you can chew can be a good thing- Cedar Valley Middle School's ITS
· Tech Journey-It's All About the Journey-Pond Springs and Forest North Elementary Schools' ITS
· Technology Education Know How- Helping Teachers Teach with Technology- Blackland Prarie Elementary School's ITS
· Technology Training & Integration - (non RRISD) Clint Stephens Technology Integration Specialist from Cedar City, UT

http://rrisdtime2learn.org/basicblogging5/2009/06/17/week-2-create-your-blog/

Webcams in the Classroom

At the beginning of the year, I purchased 3 webcams to use as a pilot program in a few classes. We purchased Logitech 9000 webcams and teachers are using them as document cameras as well. The major benefit with the webcams is price... a document camera costs over $700 and the webcams cost about $70. (Ten for the price of one is ALWAYS a good deal!)

After talking with the administration, we decided to buy 25 more webcams for teachers to use in their classrooms. As I've started distributing, teachers are coming up with marvelous ideas on ways to use them with their students. Here are some of the basics, please share other ideas in the comments section.

As a document camera

• manipulatives


• class demonstrations


• to show student work


• teacher led notes and examples

As a video camera you can record

• instructions when you're going to have a sub


• project presentations


• tutorials for FAQs


• yourself using an avatar to grab the attention of the class

Here's a very cool video I found while researching webcams... try it in your classroom!

TeacherWeb- New Themes Available

My teachers are getting excited with all the talk about TeacherWeb enhancements coming soon. Some of you have already started to play around with the new themes, and some of you have asked for some guidance in getting started.

So, here's a short video that'll walk you through how to access the new themes.



For those of you that would rather have a list of steps, here you go!

1. Go to your TeacherWeb site. Click on the bottom divider to go to Update Index.


2. Scroll down and click on the button that says, Color Themes/Styles/Fonts.


3. Click on the button that says, New Designs.


4. Input your password.


5. Choose a Design Style and Color Theme.


6. Click Update Look and Feel


7. Check out your new style.

IMPORTANT!

To update pages with a new theme, instead of clicking on the top and bottom borders, you'll want to click on either the Last Modified Date, or the © 2009 TeacherWeb, Inc.

Giving an Incomplete Grade in GradeSpeed

I just added a video to the RRISD Teacher Guides Wiki, and thought I should let you know about it here too.

At middle school we're submitting grades for this six weeks' grading period and a couple of teachers have asked how to give a student an "incomplete" for their grade. Here's a handout and video that explains how.

enter an incomplete grade for a cycle.pdf

Teacher Guides Available on Wikispaces

I've been meaning to blog about this excellent RRISD resource for quite some time. A group of ITSs have gotten together to create how-to videos for your use. They are accessible from any internet connection and cover a wide variety of topics. Check them out!

How do you access them? Good question!

There are 2 easy ways...
1)From the Cedar Valley homepage.



2) Type the website into your web browser.


If you're in RRISD, and there's not a link from your schools' homepage- contact your webmaster and ask them to add it.
What other video tutorials would be helpful to you?