After my first post yesterday I have gotten a flood of e-mails from supporters and followers who have said they don’t know how to comment because this is their first blog experience. Don’t worry I went through this all just a month ago! Here is a quick blog tutorial of sorts: 1. Read it and if you feel like commenting go to the bottom of my post where it says “# comments.” 2. Click on “# comments” and go to the bottom of the next page where a box will be for you to comment. 3. If this is your first time interacting on a blog you will be prompted to set up a Google Profile before being able to comment. 4. Comment as you feel comfortable. It may seem scary at first to have to sign up for a new account but from now on you should be able to comment on most blogs that you find interesting. It is 2010 it is time to enter the realm of Web 2.0 (interactive Internet) so you can use it for your own benefit and even in the classroom!
First find a blog that interests you (like mine of course.) You can do this by typing a topic and the word “blog” into Google search or you could go to sites like SupportBlogging.com. I have a list of my favorite health/exercise blogs under “view my complete profile” on the right of this homepage. Once you find some blogs that interest you, you can find a wealth of information available to you. As teachers I think it is important for us to start getting comfortable with the Internet in the same ways our students are using it. You can set up a blog to use for your class in school and at home. Think of how interactive homework could become if you were asking students to respond/reflect on a topic or reading assignment. Students could help each other with their math homework and give their parents a break from hours agonizing over homework problems. Or you could design a critical thinking assignment where they must research various exercise programs and find one that fits their own interests and needs and explain why they chose that program.
Here is my assignment for all of my “followers.” Sign up for a Google account and find a blog that interests you (especially one that is fitness/exercise related). Once you have found a blog I would love it if you would copy and paste a link under my comments section so I could check it out. I’m always interested in expanding my list of favorite blogs. Grab the bull by its horns and join us in cyberspace!