Thing 2- Blogs

What makes a good blog?
I really appreciate well organized blogs with clear headings. I also found that I like bold faced words that highlight key concepts and important points in each post.

How can blogs enhance your existing school's website?
Teacher blogs can provide the bridge between daily lesson plans in the classroom and grades posted on the grading program for parents to view. Our middle school students are transitioning from the elementary school where parents and teachers can closely monitor assignment completion and progress to the high school when students should be much more independent. The teacher blog with weekly plans and assignments can provide a valuable tool for both students and parents.

In addition, the blog can provide a format for students to respond to a prompt or present a project in a public setting. With an authentic audience, students are more likely to prepare a high quality assignment.

Are blogs an easier way to self-publish?
Once you get through the logistics of learning to post on a blog, it is an incredibly simple way to self-publish. As mentioned earlier, the bar is raised when students have an authentic audience. It seems like a natural setting for the technology savvy students that enter our classrooms.