5+-+Material

I will create a variety of materials for the workshop using both tools I am teaching (blogs, Google docs, etc.) as well as written materials and presentations. I will create instructions to help the teachers get started with the tools I am training them on, to guide them in the creation of technology-based lessons, project-based learning, general hardware use, and good practices. These will be posted on the resource website so that the teachers have them available during the school year.

The next part is a sample tutorial from part of the Web 2.0 tools session. This will be posted on the workshop website as well as presented to them at the workshop with a handout.


 * Creating a Blog**

In this workshop we will cover all types of materials for using technology in your class that are available on the internet for free. The first one we will cover is a web log, or blog. A blog is “a type of [|website] or part of a website supposed to be updated with new content from time to time. Blogs are 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//.” (Wikipedia, 2011)

Blogs have multiple uses and are an interactive way to get your students involved in a discussion, create diaries, or build portfolios. “Many blogs provide commentary 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 of readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. Most blogs are primarily textual, although some focus on art ([|art blog]), photographs ([|photo blog]), videos ([|video blogging] or vlogging), music ([|MP3 blog]), and audio ([|podcasting]). [|Micro blogging] is another type of blogging, featuring very short posts.” (Wikipedia, 2011)

I have attached a screenshot of some examples of blogs so you have an idea of their use.





Next we are going to set up create a blog. Here are the steps:
 * 1) Partner up into groups of 2 or 3.
 * 2) Create an outline of what it is that you want to cover on your blog. Ask yourselves these questions:
 * How will I use this blog? (Discussion, photo posts, virtual field trip, journal, etc.)
 * What is the content/subject of the blog?
 * What is the goal/objective of the blog?
 * Will this be a continuous assignment or a short assignment? (I.e. have students make an entry every day for a week, or all semester.)
 * How will I assess this assignment? (See sample grading rubric.)
 * Do I have a backup plan should there be any technical difficulties?

> First post follows instructions > Student responds to at least two other classmates >
 * Here is a sample outline:**
 * 1) **Purpose**: This blog will be treated as a discussion.
 * 2) **Subject**: Introduction to Blogging
 * 3) **Objectives**: To introduce blogging, set up a blog, and create a post
 * 4) **Type of Assignment**: First post in class, responses for homework
 * 5) **Assessment:** Student is able to set up and create a blog that is easy to read
 * 1) Should I run into technical difficulties I would have the students create their posts in a word processor or, if necessary, have them write them up using pen and paper.

Now we are going to set up a blog. > > > > > >
 * 1) Go to [|Blogger.com].
 * 2) Create a new account. If you use Gmail you can use your Gmail username and password to log in. This is part of the reason I like this site, as many students already have a Gmail account. Please click continue when you are done.
 * 1) Now you need to name your site and give it a URL. I would make both of these something relevant to the class and easy to remember. Once you have created a URL click on the “check availability” to make sure you can use it. Then click continue.
 * 1) Once you have created an account, you will receive an email asking you to confirm your email address. Click on the link in the email to confirm.
 * 2) Now choose a template. Don’t worry too much; you can change this at any time once the blog is created. I will show you how in another tutorial. Click on continue.
 * 1) You should get a message saying “Your blog has been successfully created.” Click on “Start posting now.”
 * 1) Here is where you create your post. This is what your students will see when they go to your blog. Once you have typed your information in click on Save (if it hasn’t already auto saved.) You can either click Publish if you want to publish it right away, or choose preview to see what your blog will look like before you publish.
 * 1) Once you do click publish, a screen should pop up that says your blog was published successfully.
 * 1) Congratulations, you have just created your first blog!

Responses incomplete. || Post hard to follow, too long. Responses not complete, off topic. || Post off topic. Responses lack content or completion. || Incomplete posts and responses. ||
 * Grading Rubric (for students):**
 * ** Category ** || ** 5 points ** || ** 4 points ** || ** 3 points ** || ** 2 points ** || ** 1 points ** ||
 * ** Creativity ** || Good color scheme, easy to read and follow, works correctly, interesting. || Good color scheme but slightly difficult to read or follow, somewhat interesting. || Color scheme makes it hard to read or follow, stuck with default template/colors. || Unable to read or follow due to design choices. || Blog incomplete. ||
 * ** Content ** || Post written clear and concise. Responses written clear and concise, no negativity. || Post written relatively clear, a little wordy or not enough description.
 * ** Mechanics ** || No spelling or grammar mistakes || 2-3 spelling or grammar mistakes || 4-6 spelling and/or grammar mistakes || 6-10 spelling and/or grammar mistakes || 10 or more spelling or grammar mistakes ||
 * ** Completion ** || Blog created on time, first post and responses completed by due date. || Blog created on time but first post or responses late. || Blog, first post, and responses are 1 day late. || Blog, first post, and responses are 2 days late || Blog, first post, and responses are more than 4 days late ||
 * ||  ||   ||   ||   || *Note: no blogs accepted after 1 week overdue. ||