Why+blog?

A blog is a website, maintained by one or several people//,// // 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.
 * What is 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.// ([|Wikipedia])

[|Video: Blogs in Plain English] media type="custom" key="1673857"


 * Tools for creating blogs**
 * [|Edublogs.org]
 * [|21Classes]
 * David Warlick's [|Blogmeister]
 * [|Blogger]
 * [|LiveJournal]
 * [|Thingamablog]
 * [|Lyceum]
 * [|Wordpress]


 * Why should teachers blog?**
 * To share and update information with students, parents, administrators
 * To set up literature circles
 * To share media
 * To reflect on professional practice and growth
 * To share strategies and experiences with colleagues
 * To encourage student discussion around books, films, topics in the curriculum
 * To share thoughts about the progress of the class, its assignments
 * To highlight classroom events
 * To document a particular unit
 * To establish lit circle discussions
 * To model use of this tool for professional communication
 * Because we know that learning is a social process


 * Why should students blog?**
 * To manage and reflect reflect on their research and learning
 * To participate in literature circles
 * To build writing skills
 * To contribute their knowledge to the larger world
 * To share their own individual opinions on topics of personal importance
 * To learn about ethical behavior as it relates to online discourse
 * To practice writing skills
 * To share work in a variety of media
 * To practice 21st communication skills
 * To practice digital citizenship
 * To demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning. ([|NETS*S])
 * To collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions. ([|NETS*S])
 * To use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions. ([|NETS*S])
 * To develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures. ([|NETS*S])
 * To locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media. ([|NETS*S])
 * To advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology. ([|NETS*S])
 * To exhibit leadership for digital citizenship. ([|NETS*S])
 * To exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity. ([|NETS*S])
 * To demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning. ([|NETS*S])
 * Organize knowledge so that it is useful [|AASL Standards]
 * To collaborate with others to exchange ideas, develop new understandings, make decisions, and solve problems [|AASL Standards]
 * To use the writing process, media and visual literacy, and technology skills to create products that express new understandings [|AASL Standards]
 * To connect understanding to the real world [|AASL Standards]
 * To connect ideas to own interests and previous knowledge and experience [|AASL Standards]
 * To use social networks and information tools to gather and share information [|AASL Standards]
 * To organize personal knowledge in a way that can be called upon easily [|AASL Standards]
 * To use creative and artistic formats to express personal learning [|AASL Standards]
 * Because we know that learning is a social process


 * Why should librarians blog?**
 * To reflect on professional growth
 * To publish a regular newsletter
 * To share book club news
 * To share new book news
 * To share book or media reviews
 * To announce and share new titles
 * To announce and share library events and efforts
 * To form a frame or homepage for the library website
 * To share information with various stakeholders: parents, students, teachers, administrators
 * To frame your annual report
 * To share podcasts, videos, slide shows and other media
 * To provide guidance and links and media for student research
 * To keep teachers updated about new tools or anything else
 * To model the use of blogs for the school community
 * To help students create blogs to manage and reflect on the research experience
 * To collect and share links relevant to class projects or school events
 * To share life in the library through a variety of media: news, images, video, slideshows
 * To model use of this tool for professional communication
 * Because we know that learning is a social process


 * Why should administrators blog?**
 * To share information with parents
 * To share information with faculty
 * To share information with students
 * To publish regular newsletters
 * To model use of this tool for professional communication
 * Because we know that learning is a social process