Blog+Rubric

SIX STEPS TO SETTING UP YOUR BLOG: Use an email address and password that you will easily remember for the remainder of the course. It can be your MSU email address and NetId OR a different one that you use on a more regular basis. Each time you visit your blog, you’ll need to sign in using this information. Select something that makes it easy to identify **you** for the purposes of this course (i.e., “James’ CURR 316 Blog” or “James’ Musings about School”). Choose something short and relevant (i.e., http://pps.blogspot.com). You can try selecting your name (i.e., http://james.blogspot.com) but it may already been taken, as Blogger.com hosts //millions// of blogs. ** RUBRIC ** BLOGGING GUIDELINES: You are expected to keep a weekly online journal (blog) that captures your responses, thoughts, comments and connections across our face-to-face sessions, readings and your field work in READ 411. Please note that Blogger undergoes maintenance on Tuesday mornings from approximately 10:30-11:30am and may not be accessible during that time. Blog entries will be evaluated according to the following criteria: • **Comprehension of ideas**//.// Your postings should illustrate your understanding of the readings and activities and reflect upon the topics covered—questioning and critiquing aspects of the assigned readings. • **Connection of ideas**. Your postings should not just summarize the readings, discussions or activities; they should also illustrate your ability to draw connections across aspects of the reading, class discussion, current events, your own personal experiences and what you observe and experience. Adding links that are relevant are also helpful. • **Clarity of communication.** Your postings should present ideas in a clear, concise, and coherent manner so that the reader easily understands the message you are trying to convey. Keep in mind that when it comes to volume of text and the Internet—less is more. • **Conventional expression.** Your postings should adhere to the conventions of Standard English, (correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, usage) as appropriate to an //academic// setting and yet conversational. Keep in mind that this is //not// text-messaging. • **Consistency.** Although blogging should in one sense be organic in nature, for the purposes of course assessment, you should blog on a weekly basis in rhythm with the assigned readings, discussions, and field visits. I will provide questions and/or focus that will assist you. I will evaluate your responses //periodically// over the course of the semester, so it is important to stay current. Ultimately, however, your blog is assessed cumulatively as a body of work. This means that you can add, change, delete whatever you like up until the final examination period. • **Communal contribution**. I expect you to read and contribute //on a weekly basis// to an average of 3 other classmates’ blogs. At the end of the semester, I will assess both the quantity and quality of your contributions to blogs other than your own according to the five criteria listed above.
 * CURR316 - ** **Integrating Technology across the School Curriculum**
 * Step 1** • **Go to** [|http://www.blogger.com] If you have never experienced a blogspot before, you might want to “Take a Tour” first. Otherwise, go to the next step.
 * Step 2 • Select “Create an account”**
 * Step 3 • Name Blog**
 * Step 4 • Select Blog Address**
 * Step 5 • Select “New Post”** to start publishing or **“View Blog”** to see what your blog looks like to the world.
 * Step 6 • Invite class members to your private blog** Go to “Settings” and “Permissions.” Select “only people I choose” to read your blog. Cut and paste the email addresses of class members (including the professor) into the text box as indicated. Click “Invite” to send the invitations.