Task+2

=Task 2: Become a Blogger=

 **Introduction** A blog is one of the core publishing/communication tools of Web 2.0. A blog, at its simplest, is a website containing an archived series of posts (newest on top), organized by categories (or tags), with a place for readers to leave comments. Readers can subscribe to the blog using a special type of code called an RSS (or similar) feed. A blog may have one or many authors, and can be about any topic, from personal to political to professional.

Blogging can provide teachers and students with an authentic opportunity to express themselves, synthesize ideas from many sources, engage in discussion and debate, write for an audience beyond the classroom, reflect on their own learning, teach and mentor others, and connect with peers and experts around the globe. As you work through the next few "Things," and the remainder of the course, you will begin to learn more about blogs and their powerful potential for personal and professional learning, reflection and communication.
 * Blogs connect ideas and people.**

Today, the primary goal is to get you "__up and blogging__**."** Your personal blog is the most important component of the Pi 2.0 course. You will use your blog to document your learning, discoveries and experimentation throughout the course. It will also serve as your course portfolio, or record of completion. For tips on using Blogger and maximizing your Pi 2.0 blogging experience, visit our Blogging Help page.
 * Getting Started**


 * Discovery Exercise**:

As you watch the video below, consider the term "NEWS" as meaning any content or topic that is relevant to you and/or your students. media type="custom" key="874593"

Now read the article, [|"Blogging - It's Good For You"] to find out about the therapeutic benefits of blogging.

Set up your blog at [|Blogger.com]. You will use your google account username and password.
 * Getting started:**


 * NOTE:** You may choose to blog under your real name or a pseudonym/username, but your blog content should always be school appropriate. Course facilitators and other participants will know who you are, but the "world" doesn't have to. Also, make sure you check all of the settings for your blog, especially Basics, Comments, and Permissions.

**Tips for a Richer Pi 2.0 Blogging Experience**

 * Your blog will be as meaningful as you make it. Invest in your reflections and spend a little time crafting your posts. Take time to link, format your text and add images. Feel free go beyond the minimum posting requirements. The blog is truly yours.
 * Be brave when posting and celebrate your learning. We all struggle and experience frustration and can benefit from hearing about others' experiences. We also want to hear about your discoveries and problem-solving triumphs!
 * Be generous in commenting on other participants blogs. Blogging is meant to engage readers in two-way communication. We are a community of learners. If you take a little time to encourage and respond to others' posts, they will respond in kind.


 * Task:**

 Complete a blog post reflecting on your initial thoughts about Web 2.0 and its role in 21st Century teaching and learning. Consider the ways in which Web 2.0 tools might change (or have already changed) your professional practice. How might you be able to use these new tools to to engage today's "digital learners?" Why would you want to? How might you be able to use these tools to support your own learning?
 * Part 1:** After you have set up your blog, write the following **post**. Be sure to include the **Task # in the Post Title**.
 * Your 1st Post: Task 1 - Thoughts about Web 2.0**

"Register" your blog. Return to the Google tracking spreadsheet and **add your blog address to your spreadsheet listing**. While you are there, __check off__ Task 2! Once your blog address has been received, we will add it to the Blogging Help page. That's how you can find other participants to cheer on and connect with!


 * Part 2:** Blogging is meant to be a conversation and we are a community of learners. Check the Blogging Help page **towards the end of the week** and visit the blogs of **one (**or more) **colleagues**. Read their first post and leave a comment in response! Type or paste the URL of your own blog so that they know where to find you. Early finishers may have to check back later in the week to find blogs to post to.