Create Your Blog -- 3 ?s

Ok, so the creation of the blog itself was easy. Now comes the hard part: deciding what to post, when to post, and generally what it's going to look like.

What makes a good blog? As I've looked at a number of blogs, several things stand out to me. First, keep the format simple. Some have so much stuff that they hurt my eyes. Second, provide links to related blogs and articles. This is, by far, my favorite thing. I get to find resources through like-minded people, not through an often-useless open search! I have already found a HUGE number of great sites and articles on topic I love, and it took basically no time at all. Finally, be succinct. This is going to be my biggest struggle, because I've been verbose since I learned how to speak and even worse since I learned how to write. So, I'll stop answering this question now.

How could blogs enhance your existing school web presence? I've honestly never considered this question before. Our school, like most, has a lovely website. How cool would it be for teachers with classroom blogs to have links right off the teacher directory page? It would be easy for students to find when they need to read and respond, as well as great for parents to get a window into classroom learning. What a great idea!

Are blogs an easier way to self-publish? Easier than what? Blogs are definitely easier and more timely than books, and less expensive and more accessible than having an article printed in the newspaper or some magazine/journal. They're also far more editable and maleable than creating a printed book/booklet or portfolio in the classroom. All in all, it's a very adaptable, basically free forum that appeals to our "digital native" kids. I still like the option of paper from time to time, but most of my students would MUCH rather do this. Maybe they'll win me over . . . I DO prefer to type than write, anyway.