Web 2.0 Tools: Blogs
From CTLpedia
This hands-on workshop will introduce participants to blogging, a web 2.0 technology that can be used for journaling and publishing content in a syndicated manner. Attend this workshop to gain an understanding of what blogging is, where you may obtain a blogging account, and how you might use blogs to better facilitate teaching and learning.
Contents |
Outcomes
After attending this workshop participants shall be able to:
- Describe the main elements of blogging tools.
- Set-up a free, web-based blogging accounts.
- Outline what blogging can do based on hands-on experience with the tool.
- Discuss reasons for using blogging to better facilitate teaching and learning and/or other work processes.
- Identify particular challenges common to incorporating blogging into courses.
Search for a Web 2.0 Tools: Journals, Portfolios, Blogging Oh My Workshop
View the CTL Calendar to see when the next Web 2.0 Tools: Journals, Portfolios, Blogging Oh My workshop is scheduled.
Blog Features
WeBlogs (online journals) may be syndicated through an RSS feed and many can also receive comments from readers. More advanced blog programs, content management systems, can construct entire websites.
Common Features:
- WYSIWYG Editing and Posting
- Tagging & Categories
- Date Organized (newest post first, with custom organiation options)
- Pass Word Protection Option
- Multi-Media Embedding
- Replies/Comments and Moderation
- Page Customization
Specific Social Bookmarking Tools
Blogs
- Blogger
- Uniblogs—an instance of WordPress blogging software
- LiveJournal
- Drupal—content management system
- Expression Engine—content management system
- Word Press—open source content management system
MicroBlogs
- Tumblr--multi-modal micro-blogging
- Pounce--send files too
- Utterz--mobile blogging
- GroupTweet--way to have "private" group blogs (may be a way to address FERPA issues)
How/Why Use Blogging Technologies
How might you use Bloggin in Teaching?
- Have students keep an electronic version of the regular course journal
- Require students to read and respond to one anothers’ blogs
How might your students use Blogging in their lives?
- Publish “in-process” projects (academic, civic, professional and/or personal)
- Have an ongoing family or group newsletter (multiple authors)
How might you use Blogging in Scholarship?
- Publish “in-process” entries about your research and/or teaching
- Get feedback from others interested in your topic as a form of peer “review”
Resources and Links
- Workshop Overview and Outcomes
- Fall 2008 Workshop Survey: http://tinyurl.com/6chgpq
- Instructional Blogging on Campus: Identifying Best Practices
- The Blogging/Scholarship/Media Interplay
- Educational Blogging
- Blogging as a Course Management Tool

