Blogs Defined:
A blog (shortening of ‘web log’) is a website where entries are commonly displayed in reverse chronological order. Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. – Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_log)
Why should you care?
- Easily created and updated – no knowledge of web languages necessary, many are freely available.
- Promotes collaboration – between students and teachers, regardless of location or time.
- Illustrates the difference between private or personal writing and writing for public display and dissemination.
- It’s fun – for both students and teachers, and it adds to the skill set.
Use of Blogs
- Commentary or News
- Online Diary
- Discussion
- Education
Common Features of Most Blogs
- A blog consists of posts that are organized in reverse chronological order and pages that are static and function like a more traditional web page.
- Blogs have archiving and indexing functions so that entries are searchable by date and topic.
- Posts and Pages can be easily updated in real time and use a “WYSIWYG” editor.
- Posts can be commented on by readers
- Links, images, videos, files and widgets can be easily added
- Tags and categories can be created and selected for organizing and indexing posts
- Blogs can be customized visually using a variety of free designs and layouts. Custom banners or headers can be applied
- Private and public options available for both posts and comments
- Blogs have RSS feeds options that make syndication readily available for readers
Examples of Blogs
- Commentary or News
- Online Diary
- Discussion (and collaboration?)
- Education
- Academic Blogs (a list of blogs using a wiki)
- Crown Library Blog
- LIS704 Mary Pat Fallon
- LIS 753 Michael Stephens
- LAS 284 David Perry
- OchemOnline J. Brent Friesen
There are some factors to consider before creating a blog for your class. Go to Teaching Considerations.
1 response so far ↓
Daniel // April 10, 2008 at 8:47 pm |
You speak so clearly on this topic. Your choice of examples (Amazon, Daily Kos) illustrated the blog concept well and I appreciated the way you defined Web 2.0 vs web 1.0.