1) go to blogspot.com
2) The student must sign up using any e-mail address and creating a google password. Be sure to have the student write this down.
3) CAUTION: When students are creating their blogs, be sure to have them complete the form below IMMEDIATELY, before they continue to add a post. Have them log off and try to re-enter their own blog to check the information. Trust me, they will forget this information and become frustrated that they do not remember their passwords etc. Since these are not private, but a class project, it is okay that you ask for log on and password information. Have each student fill out the following information on a sheet of paper and give it to you or e-mail it to you, so that you can create a master list. You will definitely need it, as students will need to ask you this information.
Student name
e-mail address
google password
Blog name
Blog address
Blog password
4) Students are now ready for their first posting. Students need to be reminded that their blog is public to the world. Encourage them to have friends and family reading their blog. This is very motivating for the students and they will attempt to be more accurate. Students should not be using chat shortcuts, such as U for you. Blogs are an opportunity for students to practice academic writing.
5) Students can cut and past work from their word document to place in the post. This is especially effective for drafts when a student does not have easy access to the internet.
6) Classmates can read help to peer edit by their comments and suggestions in the comment section.
TEACHER SECTION
7) Student blogs can be linked to the main class blog, by using the links section of the teacher's blog. Students can also link to the main blog and to each other, if they choose, using the same method.
To add a link, go to "customize" in the upper right corner of the blog. Then you go to "links" and add the web address of each student's blog to the main blog. Hit save and hit publish.
8) You can have students add a link on thier blog to the main blog. That link makes it and easy way they can alway find the class blog and the blogs of their classmates, as well.
9) Also use this link method to for reading assignment links, grammar links, writing tips links etc. Make announcements for these assignments in your posting section on the main class blog.
