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Blogging Basics

The most basic guideline to remember when blogging is that the blog is an extension of your classroom. You should not write anything on a blog that you would not say or write in your classroom. Use common sense, but if you are ever in doubt ask a teacher or parent whether or not what you are considering posting is appropriate.  Your posts will be graded using this Blog Post Rubric.  The following are some specific blogging tips to consider:

  1. Netiquette.  The use of blogs is considered an extension of your classroom. Therefore, any speech that is considered inappropriate in the classroom is inappropriate on a blog. This includes, but is not limited to, profanity; racist, sexist or discriminatory remarks; personal attacks.
  2. Academic Content.  Blogs are used primarily as learning tools, either as extensions of conversations and thinking outside of regular class time, or as the basis for beginning new classroom discussions. Be sure to follow all rules and suggestions that are offered by your teachers regarding appropriate posting in your class.
  3. Filtered Free Speech. Blogs are about ideas – therefore, agree or disagree with the idea, not the person. Freedom of speech does not give you the right to be uncivil. Use constructive criticism and use evidence to support your position. Read others’ posts carefully before you comment.
  4. Blog safely. NEVER post personal information on the web.  Do not, under any circumstances, agree to meet someone you have met over the Internet.
  5. Edublogs Sites. Because your login to the blogging site (e.g., Edublogs) is linked to your profile, any personal blog you create in class is directly linked to your class blog and must follow these blogging guidelines.
  6. Links. Linking to websites from your blog or blog comments in support of your argument is an excellent idea. But never link to something without reading the entire article to make sure it is appropriate for a school setting.
  7. Text Citation.  Use of quotations in a blog is acceptable. Make sure that you follow the proper formatting and cite the source of the quote.
  8. Image Use/Citation. Pictures may be inserted into a blog. Make sure that the image is appropriate for use in a school document and copyright laws are followed.  Check out this Google Blog on searching for images that are not restricted by copyright.

Source: mrsgraingerv32.edublogs.org

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