I hope you learned a thing or two today. I believe we were very productive, despite not getting through wikis and blogs. As promised here is a quick overview of the major tools we used.

Bloglines

We signed up for a Bloglines account in the morning. This free service allows you to subscribe to feeds at blogs and other sites that are regularly updated. This way you view updates without actually visiting the page.

Many of you subscribed to a number of feeds when signing up for your account. You may find that you signed up for too many or to some that don't interest you. By clicking on My Feeds tab at the top of the page and then edit you can add, delete, and organize - including creating folders.

Easy Subscribe Bookmarklet - Now that you are back on your own computer you can add feeds a bit easier. First click on the My Feeds link. Then scroll down to the bottom of the left frame. Click on the Easy Subscription Bookmarklet. Find your browser and then drag the icon to your Bookmarks Tool Bar. Now when you want to subscribe to a blog, just hit the subscribe button and it will automatically take you into Bloglines.

Blogger

We set up the GUHSD 2006 Collaboration blog in a free service called Blogger. Everyone set up accounts, posted two times, and commented on other's posts. The main purpose of this was to get you use to the idea of using a blog.

WordPress

WordPress is the blogging tool I recommend. You have the option to allow students to comment, post, or just read. It also allows you to add static pages so you could upload a syllabus or other documents without it getting lost in the archive with the regular posts.

Key features of WordPress include (they can be access from the Dashboard):

• Under write you can write post or write page - the difference being that a post is a blog entry and a page is a static page that will stay on the front page.
• Make sure to click the publish button if you want it to appear on the blog.
• You can upload files, including pictures, directly below the textbox for the post.
• Under manage you can view, edit, and delete your posts.
• You can also create categories. This will allow students to quickly search you site for specific topics (i.e. homework, announcements, etc.).
• Under presentation you can change your template.
• Under users you can add users and assign roles to them.
  • Remember, all users have to already have a WordPress account - your students must already be signed up BEFORE you add users.
  • Role definitions
    • Administrator - all powerful one, you!
    • Editor - Able to change some configurations, but not everything.
    • Author - Able to publish posts.
    • Contributor - Able to write posts, but can only save them as a draft. Editors or the administrator must publish the posts. This will allow you to moderate student posts.
    • Subscriber - Able to post comments only.
• Under options you can change the title of the blog AND set it so only register users can comment.

That about does it. If you have any other questions, please feel free to e-mail me with any questions - danmcdowell@cox.net.

Have a great school year!