Blogs

=What is a blog?= In simple terms a blog is a web site where the blogger writes about a topic or area of their interest on a daily basis. The blogger can add links to other web sites of similar interest, upload pictures, movies, podcasts and other files. The latest contributions get posted at the top so that viewers can read what's new first. The blog owner can invite comments from viewer's and can even give them permission to co-author the blog site. Enabling [|RSS] feeds allows visitors to subscribe to the blog so that they can receive email alerts about site updates

=Use blogs to reach out to stakeholders= School administrators across the US are being to see the benefit of using blogs to reach out to their stakeholders and increase positive realtions. If you are already emailing, using a web site, sending newsletters, but still missing connecting with your clientle on important issues, try a blog. A blog is a place where you can take the temperature of the community and have an ongoing dialogue with people. See what tow superintendents are doing! [|Superintend Wilcox's blog] | [|Superintendent Stock's blog] = = =Getting started on your own blog=
 * //A couple of important considerations before you get started//.**
 * You want to pick a topic or area of interest you will stay interested in.
 * Be willing to write regularly on the topic.
 * Whenever possible visit similar web sites, research them, and, add them to your blog as other places of interest.
 * **Decide if the blog is an extension of the school system or your own intellectual property (//in that case you will need a disclaimet that the opions expressed are your own and not necessarily that of the district)!//**

=Picking a blog host= The Internet abounds with many popular blog hosts. You can start a new blog at [|Blogger] in two minutes. I have presented a "[|Learn2Blog]" workshop at NECC 2005, 2006 and ILTCE 2006. My experience with [|21Publish], my blog host, has been very positive.

=How blogs work?= When you register for a blog site you are taken to a home page, a place holder, which you will start editing. There will probably be a big, attractive "Easy Edit" button which opens up a text entry dialogue box. Typically you enter a title (the title for the current entry), enter and edit text, and click a "Publish" button. Wallah! You are done. Now distribute your blog URL and invite your friends to read and comment.

=Ready for More?= At [|Learn2Blog] you will find everything you need to get started with a 21Publish blog.