Thing 2: Blogging

Blogging
Thing #2: Set up your own blog, and add a post about what you did.

Now that you’ve done some exploring around these webpages (this blog) and understand how this program will work, it’s time to set up your very own personal blog to begin recording your thoughts, discoveries, and exercises.
Note: This Thing has lots of parts. Please read the WHOLE thing! Thanks, The Kickball CaptainsBackground of Blogging
1. View this short video from the CommonCraft guys that explains blogs "in Plain English."

if you can not see the video from this blog, go here and watch it.

2.View this PowerPoint for an overview of a blog's format and see some samples of different types of blogs you may encounter during this experience.

3. Read The 4 Cs of Blogging, a post about what to think about when setting up your blog, how to approach what you might write about, and how you will respond to others' thoughts.

4. Read 2¢ Worth David Warlick's posting on the value of edublogging.

Creating Your Blog
For this Discovery Activity, you may use any one of several free online blog hosting services including Blogger, Wordpress, Class Blogmeister, or Typepad.We are recommending Blogger. It comes through most district firewalls, is consistently available (no down time), and is also supported in Atomic Learning. Take the Quick Tour of Blogger for a look at it before starting.

To start your blog:1. Create an account. You will need an email address. It does not need to be a gmail account, but can be. We recommend that you decide on one e-mail account that you will use as you register for many activities in other "Things".

2. Name your blog. The portion that goes into the address is "permanent." It can not be changed once set up. The blog title that appears on the actual page can be changed or updated to meet the needs of your blog. A good rule of thumb...short and sweet and easy to type!

3. Choose a template (or skin.) You can always go back and select another one if you don't care for the look of your blog.When setting up your preferences, please allow for comments by anyone. You CAN set it up where you have to approve them before they show.MORE HELP with setting up your blog

Remember to identify EACH of your post titles with the word "Thing" & # that goes with what you are writing about. Each Thing should be written in a separate post.Now that your blog is set up:

1. Go back to Thing #1 and write (in a new blog post) your thoughts regarding the habit among the 7 & 1/2 that is easiest for you and the one which is hardest.Attach your contract to the post. Include any other thoughts about lifelong learning.


2. Write about the process about setting up your blog in a new blog post for Thing #2. Have you looked at anyone else's blog...have you made a comment or ask a question?Seems like a lot here, but you are over the hardest part and ready to write about all the new things you will be seeing and doing. Have fun!

Register your blog and begin your 16 Things Journaling. (you must have posts written for Thing 1 and Thing 2 with Things 3, 4, and 5 shortly). Follow the directions on the "Registering your Blog page".