Blogs

What is a Blog? Wikipedia explains "Blog" as " (a blend of the term //web log//) a type of website or part of a website. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order...Most blogs are interactive, allowing visitors to leave comments and even message each other via widgets on the blogs and it is this interactivity that distinguishes them from other static websites. 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 of readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs."

Now that you know what a blog is, why would you choose to create one? People choose to blog for a variety of reasons. Some people use a blog like a personal journal where they can reflect on the happenings of the day or experiences they have faced. Others will blog as a way of expressing thoughts and opinions on topics that are important to them and to pass along information they have deemed important. Others still will blog as a way to connect with others who share a common interest.

Free Blog Hosting Sites
Blogger WordPress Aeonity Edublogs

List of Blogs for Educators
Below are links to sites that list multiple blogs that might interest teachers.

Top 100 Education Blogs Education Blogs by Discipline Blogs by Teachers Kathy Schrock's Ed Tech Blog Picks Teacher Lingo Blog List

Individual or Group Blogs
Below are links to individual blogs created by educators and/or experts in the field of education. If you find a blog you especially like, please add it to the list (include the link).

The Teaching Palette Kirsten Winkler Larry Ferlasso's Websites of the Day Technology Tips and Integration Ideas Slashdot: News for Nerds. Stuff that Matters The World of Communications - by Deb DeJong Web 2.0 Teaching Tools Cool Cat Teacher Blog - by Vicki Davis Broken Airplane Education Blog and Resources Technology Bits Bytes & Nibbles Angela Maiers Educational Services, Inc. Free Technology 4 Teachers by Richard Byrne The Innovative Educator Moving at the Speed of Creativity by Wesley Fryer Teach Paperless by Shelly Blake-Plock Kim's Ed Tech Blog Tech the Plunge by Jeff Thomas Digital Learning Environments: Tools and Technologies for Effective Classrooms TED: Ideas Worth Sharing Teacher Reboot Camp: Challenging Ourselves to Engage Our Students by Shelly Terrell iLearn Technology An edublog about integrating technology into the classroom History Tech Learning 2.0 The Pursuit of Technology Integration Happiness The Reading Roundup Irresistible Ideas for Play-based Learning The Teaching Palette Speech Techie: Looking at Technology Through a Language Lens The Angry Technician Thumann Resources Edutopia edReformer: Excellence and Equity Through Innovation Rapid eLearning

Blogs for Students
KidBlog Edublogs

Marketing Student Blogs for Comments
Blogging is a great way for students to write down their thoughts and ideas, but it is even more fun for them if others comment on what they have written. The following site is an excellent place to list your student blogs so that other students/educators can find them.

Comments 4 Kids

Ideas for Ways to Use Blogs in the Classroom
ButlerTech Wiki This wiki is a great resource to use when looking for ways to use blogs with your students. The site also includes additional information that might be helpful if you have questions about using blogs. Check it out!