HELLO PCC-CEC INSTRUCTORS!

Creating a blog is easy! Just visit http://blogger.com/ and follow the directions. I use this blog in the computer lab so that my assignment for the class is posted and they need to interact with the computer and the Internet in order to access their lesson for the day. It's win-win for both the teacher and the students as I don't need to prepare handouts and students can "click" on a link that takes them to website or other informative task.

Here are some points to remember:

1) Remember, the students realize we are not web-masters so keep it simple, and don't stress over creating a blog, just add relevant content.

2) Nearly all the students are familiar with the net, so there isn't much of a learning curve. Therefore, if you have a student that is computer challenged, have a student peer-coach them. This will keep you from having to run all over the lab and get Ss on task quicker.

3) I recommend using an email address for yourself that is dedicated for this blog only. I wouldn't use your PCC email address as that reveals to much personal information. Remember: this blog is live and anyone and everyone has access to it - including spammers, and other malcontents. However, I have had my log linked to my yahoo account for several years and haven't had any malicious email.

4) FYI, there are more sophisticated ways of producing websites, however, this is free, easy, and effective.

Enjoy!

- Bonnie