as a part of a class

* You need to create/have a google account to set up a blog on Blogger. The system (www.blogger.com) prompts you to do this & gives you directions if you haven't already got one.

Basic how-to's:
http://js1900.blogspot.com/2006/12/blog-journals.html

Creating the (safe) space:
--offer students option of anonymity/pseudonyms, first or last name only, etc.
--create ground rules re: blog etiquitte, no critiquing one another's work publicly-- focus discussion on content & topics instead
--keep other channels of communication open-- email, office hrs, etc. in case of problems

Eliciting posts:
--discussion questions & topics rath. than completely open-ended
--options for choosing which questions to address
--make grading criteria/expectations very explicit

Getting students to engage with one another's blogs:
--put them into small groups, or have a group of students be co-authors of a single blog
--as a part of the grade

etc.:
--discuss blog & e-resource citation practices
--have everyone use the same system, ie blogger or livejournal

public/private:
-- under blog options, you can choose to only allow specific people whose email addresses you've authorized and who you've invited to view and comment on your blog