Blogging FAQs

· So what’s a blog?

A blog is a web log or an online journal of sorts. It is an extension of the classroom and as such the same courtesies apply.

· What the purpose of a team blog where more than person blogs on the same page?

The purpose of a team blog can include (but is definitely not limited to) facilitating collaborative invention and information sharing. So in essence a blog can be an online discussion, much like discussion boards that we are used to seeing elsewhere on the web.

· What are we supposed to blog about?

Blog entries can be individual ideas about the reading for the day. What did you think of it, what reactions did you have to it (and most importantly why?). Don’t just say the piece sucked, tell us why the piece sucked, what could have made it better, etc. (the same thing goes for the response “This essay rocked!”)

· So we just write what we think about the reading?

Yes and no. Definitely tell us what you thought about, how you felt about, your analysis of the reading, but also take the time to look at what other people have said about the readings so far. Are there connections between what you have to say and what has already been said? If so, build bridges between the blog posts. No one really wants to read the same post (published by different authors) over and over again. Think of it as an extension of the classroom. If you disagree with something someone says, let it be known. Contradict it (with support and respect of course). Think of this as an online conversation.

· How long should my posts be?

This will depend on how succinctly you can convey your point J I will definitely leave that up to the individual discretion of the individual. Some people need one paragraph to say what others require several for.

· Can I ask questions in my post?

Sure, but tell us what sparked those questions. What were you reading that made you ask that question? It is also a good idea to try to answer those questions?

· Wow, this is easy all we have to do is post something about the reading.

Not really. You are expected to read what other people have written. Think of the blog as an extension of the classroom discussion. This is your chance to put out original thoughts that you didn’t convey in class and respond to something that someone else has said.

· The teacher already responded to the posts from yesterday, does that mean that that strand of the conversation is closed?

Not at all! The conversation is a continual work in progress. You can continue it for as long as you like.

· Can I blog about something cool that my cat did today?

Um, no. Not unless it made you think of something relevant to the course content J Personal blogs are a great place for that.

· Who is my audience? In Freshman Composition we talked a lot about audience and I’m not sure who my audience is here.

You primary audience is your teacher and your classmates. Your secondary audience is any random web surfer who happens across our site. This is truly your chance to show the world how insightful you are J

· What happens to our blog after the course ends?

The blog itself will be closed to posting, but it will be here.

· Do I have to blog?

Why wouldn’t you want to? Talking to your teacher is always a good idea if you have serious objections to blogging. She’s pretty open to all discussions.

· Wow, blogs are cool! How do I set up my own blog?

There is online documentation that has been created for showing teachers how to set up blogs at http://joe.english.purdue.edu/CCR/techworkshops/workshop3.pdf