Monday, January 11, 2010

Safe Blogging - Tips and Ideas


  • Make sure that the school, administration and parents are aware and on the same page about the role a blog will play in your classroom.
  • Ensure that students can't be identified - use only first names or generic pseudonymous and make sure students know not to post any identifying details about themselves, friends or family, location and school.
  • Clearly explain to students that they are expected to conduct themselves on the blog just as they would in the classroom - using appropriate language and responding helpfully and respectfully to classmates.
  • If possible, enable some comment moderation so nothing unsuitable or inappropriate can be posted.
  • Limiting blog access so only students, parents, teachers and administrators have access to the blog.  If possible remove it from search engine features and make it private.
  • Having students and parents sign a permission slip stating that they will not share or give out the blog address, user log-ins and passwords.
  • Consider a class blog as opposed to individual student blogs, this will make it easier to monitor content.

3 comments:

  1. I agree a well thought out list in which I'm sure you could make a blog function in the classroom, the way you want to.

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  2. You're right about giving students very clear-cut instructions and boundaries on what is to be expected and what is not accepted in the blogosphere. Sometimes I think my least fruitful activities in the classroom happen when I don't give clear enough instructions, so I'm sure the problems would multiply in the online world.

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