lansinglearntech wiki / Blogs

Questions? Get live answers at PBwiki's weekly office hours (1 PM Eastern, Weds September 3)
Educators: Earn a free Gold upgrade by joining the PBwiki Back To School Challenge.

What is a Blog?

The word "blog" comes from the words web and log - weblog, hence blog. It is, in essence, an online journal. Blogs can be available by invitation only, or open to the general public. They can be created through a "hosted" site (a company who offers blog space) or through a proprietary server (blogger has his own blog software and server). Visitors can provide comments on a particular blog and, if the blogger permits, can subscribe to RSS feeds.

How can I use blogs with my students?

Similar to wikis, blogs can be used for online writing activities. Students can create a virtual journal, as opposed to a paper one. They can write stories or books, with each blog as a new chapter. They can publish poetry, book reports, art reviews or research papers. Teachers can use blogs as a way of providing parents with information on what is happening in class. Photos of student art work or class activities can be uploaded. Teachers can link their blog to other blogs in the school as a building wide newsletter. Teachers can also search for blogs from other classes around the world as a way of making multi-cultural connections.