Using the BlogUsing the Blog

Advantages of Blog within SiSAdvantages of Blog within SiS

• All website content within website• Design/layout all identical• Well organized – automatically (by design!)

– Searchable (key word)– Archives by month– Categorized (customize for your needs)

Blog FeaturesBlog Features• Unlimited Categories• Save as Draft; Publish when Ready• Allow/Block Comments• Comments Time Stamped• E-mail Notification of Comments• Automatic Archive• Grouped by Post Title and/or Category• Searchable• Spell Check

Examining a Teacher BlogExamining a Teacher Blog

Comments PageComments PageExample of a Teacher Blog

Students post based on instructions from teacher

Date/time stamp aids if boundaries are placed on timeframe of post (assignment for a particular day)

Comments may be “allowed” for as long as is needed.

Comments moderated or unmoderated. (Comment approval is default.)

Posting CommentsPosting CommentsExample of a Teacher Blog

Required fields are:

• Name• Comment area• “Captcha” code

Note that you may use the text editor to format the text or embed website links within words.

Alerts to Inbox as ConfiguredAlerts to Inbox as Configured

Approve/Edit CommentsApprove/Edit Comments

• Log into Program• Navigate to Blog• Approve Comments• Edit Comments if desired before approving.

Creating BlogsCreating Blogs

Blogs are set up from District website.

Structure determined by District webmaster.

Users authorized to use blog and then trained.

Let’s take a look at the inside….

Organize: Create CategoriesOrganize: Create Categories

Creating EntriesCreating Entries

• Enter title• Choose category• Provide description of entry• Use text editor tools•Hyperlink•Insert images/photos•Format text, etc.

• Save or “Save as Draft”• Publish when ready

Configuring AlertsConfiguring Alerts

• Input e-mail address

• Configure other options

Different Uses of BlogDifferent Uses of Blog

• Public Site– Gain input, accolades, feedback from public– Classroom input, discussion, feedback, homework!

• Private Site– Focused group feedback (teachers, principals, staff)

• Comments known based on user credentials

– Collaboration on ideas / issues

Examples of Blogs (click to view)Examples of Blogs (click to view)

• Meade County - Teacher Blog – Mrs. Holsclaw• Mobile County Public Schools (Home Page)• Walkerville Public Schools (Technology)• Naugatuck Public Schools (School Blogs-New)• Greenville High School (Multiple Blogs)• Alvarado High School (Teacher Tamara Morris)