I think that a good blog is an organized blog. I really don't like all the "extra" stuff that is always on the side of the page. Maybe I would get used to it if I regularly read and visited more blogs. But I like things uncluttered. I also like blogs that have images and weblinks built into the posting. I want the person writing the blog to be connected to other things. But I guess that might differ depending on the type and purpose of the blog.
How could a blog enhance your existing school web presence?
A blog could enhance my school web presence in a number of ways. I currently have a Moodle site for each of the courses I teach. However, it is a very "hidden" place where students go to get information and to send information to me. But most of that information is not shared with anyone else. However, if I had a blog for classes, then it could become a more public forum where students, friends, parents, grandparents, etc... could see what was going
on in the classroom. I currently have each of my biology students blogging as a part of a "plot study" assignment. This is the first year that I have asked them to blog, and it has been a learning experience. Overall, I have really liked it. And as I've read the blogs, I've noticed several parents commenting on their student's blog. I thought that was really nice since some parents probably never really see the things that their students create.Are blogs an easier way for people to self-publish?
Blogs are an incredibly easy way for people to self-publish. Students can create and then post them in a public blog. This not only makes the assignment "real," but might also increase the quality of the work since it's not just me, the teacher, seeing what they have created.
Blogs are an incredibly easy way for people to self-publish. Students can create and then post them in a public blog. This not only makes the assignment "real," but might also increase the quality of the work since it's not just me, the teacher, seeing what they have created.
