Blogging with Students

Image source: http://www.biodiverseperspectives.com

As part of my team student learning goal I have implemented student blogging in addition to using Twitter this year. At the beginning of the semester students set up blogs using Blogger.  I chose this platform because students are using Google Drive as a cloud source for all their class files and I felt this would be more convenient.  The only thing I do not like about using Blogger is that uploading external files such as Excel or PowerPoint is not an option.  However, most student work is done using a Google Doc or another Google Drive file type.  For the PowerPoint Presentations I found a website called AuthorStream which allows users to upload PowerPoint files and share via a link provided by the site. AuthorStream even keeps any transitions or animations that were added in PowerPoint which I thought was a nice feature.  (This feature isn't available on sites like Slideshare.)

Students are mainly using blogs  to post their work and reflect on the assignment in each post.  So basically they are creating a digital portfolio and demonstrating their writing skills.  As the semester progresses students are creating or updating their "About Me" page, have begun adding labels to categorize their posts and making design changes to their blogs.  To make sure all student blogs meet the requirements I assigned a Blog Update part way through the semester.  In addition, I provided the students with a checklist they can refer to before publishing a blog post.

Objectives of Student Blogging

1. Students will create a blog and be familiar with its tools to apply to their ongoing reflective writing assignments.
2. Once students have created a blog and understand the tools, they will analyze and asses their learning each week and write reflectively in their blogs.  Students may be asked to address positives, challenges, questions, and/or "Aha" moments. 
3. Blogging gives students the opportunity to participate in responsible public writing. Students can learn about the power of the published word and the responsibilities involved with public writing.
4. Students will be developing a positive online presence.