Thing 3: Let's Start Blogging

Now that you have had a chance to become more familiar with the Learning 2.0 project and what is meant by Web 2.0 and social software, it is time to start playing around by setting up your own blog. You will then use the blog to track your progress, add comments about this exploration into new territory and share ideas for potential uses here at Marymount. No need to fear...I will take you through this process step-by-step, and you will be amazed at just how easy it can be.

For this program, I recommend that you set up your blog account through the free online hosting service Blogger, which is owned by Google and is surprisingly user friendly (step by step instructions are below). In fact, the Learning 2.0 blog you are currently reading is also hosted by this software. However, it is perfectly fine to try a different blogging service if you prefer. Some other popular examples are Wordpress, LiveJournal and Edublogs, however, there are many other options available out there in the "blogosphere."


IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. If you already have your own blog, you will still need to create a new one for the purposes of this project.

2. It is your choice how you wish to identify yourself on this blog. You may post under an anonymous screenname, or as yourself. However, in order to qualify for program incentives and prize drawings, you will need to register your blog with Mary McMillan who will track your progress (more on this in the next task).

3. Your blog should be work friendly. For the next 9 weeks, your blog will consist of work-related content and will be read by your co-workers. After the completion of this program, it is up to you whether to maintain the blog with information of your choice or to delete it altogether.

SETTING UP YOUR BLOG IN THREE EASY STEPS:

• First, go to the Blogger website (www.blogger.com) and click on the orange "Create Your Own Blog Now" arrow at the bottom right of the screen. This will open up a new page that prompts you to register for a free Google account, which we will be using for future activities as well. When prompted for your "display name," simply enter whatever name you would like to show next to any of your postings or comments to others (you will notice me displayed as McMillan). Make sure to note the email address and password that you select as you will need these to log back into your account.

• The next step is to name your blog (be as creative as you want). Make sure to take note of your blog URL as this is what you will be use to register with Mary McMillan.

• Last, but certainly not least, select a template for the overall look of your blog. This can always be changed later on if you feel the style doesn't suit your personal flair.
  

GREAT JOB! Now all you have to do is start posting your thoughts and you have officially become a blogger.


To view your blog go to its URL address, which is: http://(xxxx).blogspot.com
(xxxx)=the unique identifier you entered in Step 2. Be sure to also write down your blog address.

HOW TO ADD NEW BLOG POSTS:

• Go to www.blogger.com and click on login.

• Enter the email address and password that you used to create your Google account earlier.

• This will open up your account's "Dashboard."

• Find your blog name and click on "New Post." and start writing. You can either "Save" your post as a draft for future editing or click on "Publish Post" to share with the world. (Proofreading is always recommended, but if you do notice any mistakes or wish to change your text, you can go back and edit the post from the "Posting" tab at the top of the dashboard screen, and then click on the "Edit Posts" link.)

If you run into problems, or would like more information on using blogs and Blogger, here is a resource you can use:

Blogger's Quick Tutorial

Discovery Activity:

1. Setup a blog for yourself through Blogger.
   
   
2. Add a test post or two.
   Note: Use one of your test posts to create an entry about the habits among the 7 and 1/2 lifelong learning habits that are easiest and hardest for you and why.
   
   
3. Have fun!!!!