Kidblog


 * KIDBLOG**

Resources:
 * Handout (Explains Kidblog, how to establish it, and how to navigate and use all of its features.)
 * Edu Teacher TV (Provides a video tour of Kidblog in order for you to successfully navigate and use all of its features.)
 * PDF (Includes an overview of the process, step-by-step instructions for implementation, and a list of subject-specific collaborative suggestions.)
 * Mrs. Lovely's Class Kidblog
 * Ms. Agbowo's Bibliography Kidblog
 * Figurative Language Kidblog
 * Science Kidblog
 * Georaphy Kidblog(Class Project)

Strengths:
 * FREE, QUICK, & EASY to establish
 * Appropriate for young learners
 * RSS capability
 * Easy to "tweak" by using accessible tabs (Dashboard, Write New Post, Review Posts, Comments, User, Settings)
 * Complete Dashboard with class statistics, recent comments, and recent posts
 * Multiple privacy settings for posts, comments, and user access
 * Teacher creates usernames
 * Simple login for students (select name from a list) does not require memorizing usernames
 * No distracting advertisements
 * Technical support for teachers with FAQs and a help ticket system
 * No email account is required for students....This is important for two reasons. Many students do no have an email account and their are privacy issues that complicate using personal email accounts at school.

Weaknesses:
 * Requires constant involvement
 * Controlled page layout
 * Limited general settings
 * No confidentiality in posts or comments (edit- not sure confidentiality is anticipated in bogs.)

Opportunities: Threats:
 * Exchange ideas at all times
 * Promote literacy
 * Encourage meaningful writing
 * Build a sense of community
 * Provide a safe venue for students who are shy
 * Elicit participation and discussion
 * Create a home/school connection
 * Increase motivation, collaboration, and responsibility
 * Can lead to off-task behavior
 * Can lead to unconventional writing
 * Can lead to inappropriate writing (at least until the editor gets a glimpse :-)

Ideas for the Classroom:
 * Possible platform for ongoing assessments
 * Great for journaling
 * Can help students stay informed about all class/school events (homework, field trips, fundraisers...)
 * Manage discussions
 * Display student work
 * Relevant for any subject
 * Math: problem of the day, vocabulary, examples of...
 * Reading: book review, vocabulary, word of the day, author study, book talks...
 * Writing: creative writing, autobiographies, biographies, daily edit...
 * Science: journaling, share research, collect data...