Guidelines+for+Blogging+in+the+Classroom

** Do's and Dont's **
** BLOGGING DO'S ** The risks of blogging are real. Although you cannot review all blog entries before they're published, you can take steps to lessen the risks of inappropriate entries. Do: (http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/techtorial/techtorial037print.shtml)
 * Get parental permission.
 * Know your school and district acceptable use policies (AUPs) and convey them to your students.
 * Avoid blogging sites that require students to publish their complete names and/or e-mail accounts.
 * Avoid sites that ask students for //any// personal information.
 * Make students aware of what subject matter is appropriate and permissible.
 * Teach students the importance of tone and respect for others' opinions.
 * Have clear expectations, rules, and consequences.
 * Remember that with risk comes growth and learning.

** Blogs in the curriculum **
http://www.blogged.com/directory/education/math/ This site lists blogs all related to math. You can click on any blog and follow.

http://www.stevespangler.com/ Great Science Blog! Includes fun videos related to science.

Blogging etiquette
http://www.mysecurecyberspace.com/articles/classroom/safe-blogging.html#msc.article.parents.safe_blog A blog can be a fun, informative classroom tool if the instruction covers some important safety measures.

As a teacher, you are already well aware that keeping your students safe is a priority. Introducing blogs in the classroom is undeniably a powerful learning tool, but it also brings about an opportunity for the teacher to reexamine student safety. The following resources will help you protect your students from harm. http://www.teachingtips.com/blog
 * Blogging and Internet Safety**
 * 1) [|**Google Analytics**]. Keep a close eye on your blog traffic and find out who is visiting your website. This tool breaks down the visitor information in several ways, including plotting a map of where the visitors are located.
 * 2) [|**Keeping students cybersafe!**]. This blog post, written by an educator, offers suggestions on how you can protect your students while enjoying student blogs.
 * 3) [|**Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998**]. This law explains how a child’s privacy is protected online. Working with children and blogs, this is a must-read item.
 * 4) [|**Copyright and Fair Use**]. This simple primer gives the basics on copyright and fair use laws as it pertains to the Internet. Any teacher posting on the Internet should take the time to read this.
 * 5) [|**A Teacher’s Guide to Fair Use and Copyright**]. Another helpful guide to fair use and copyright, this one is specifically designed for teachers. It also includes a chart for fair use to post in your classroom.
 * 6) [|**Responsible blogging**]. Taken from a 10th grade class, these guidelines for safe and responsible blogging are not just teacher-generated, but also come from the students themselves.
 * 7) [|**Blogger’s Contract**]. This contract between the teacher and student is a great way to remind the student of the safety and responsibility required when blogging. Use this contract as a model for one you can create for your class.
 * 8) **Consent for Your Child to Participate in Online Collaborations**. This teacher has drawn up a consent form for parents explaining how technology will be used in the classroom and asking for parental consent. Click on the link at the beginning of this letter for the actual consent form.
 * 9) [|**Blogging Rules**]. This list of rules was compiled by a teacher for his classroom. You may find this helpful for setting the rules in your class before you begin blogging.
 * 10) **Discovery Blogging Rules**. Another set of rules for classroom blogging, this one is a bit more extensive and also includes clearly defined consequences to breaking the rules. This list can serve as a model for the rules in your classroom.

Really Good web site with some blogging and social networking basics.
 * [] This is a site that will help parents become aware of the guidelines that should be followed and respect when they are blogging.