Uses of Blogs in Education and Libraries:

• Student writing--where peers can comment and edit through comments-online peer editing and publication
• Sharing of current news in your classroom or library with parents and students
• Student Discussion Forum on classroom topics
• Student booktalking
• Library booktalking
• Assign informational blogs for students to read
• Keep current on topics of interest in the profession or your content area
• reflective learning
• Create a literature circle (where groups of students read and discuss the same book).
• Extend student learning by gather information about a topic from others around the world: First Grader may ask, "What kind of home do you live in?"
• Can use as a running log for a book discussion, or has just a daily journal for class use  
• Character development analysis in literature as students blog as specific characters in response to some guided questions, as well as of their own accord
• Personification of the library so it is more than just a building, but an identity, as the different voices of the staff are reflected through the various entries
• Network within your field and the global community at large
• web page substitution

SAFETY ISSUES

• good to always let parents know when you assign blogs for either reading or writing
• permission forms should be sent home for parents to sign
• set controls so that outside comments can't be added
• set controls to invited lists only
• do not use students' full names
• use RSS to monitor blogs if you have students create their own
• be clear on expectations of posting, comment etiquette, etc.
• have blogs be part of a building/district Acceptable Use Policy
• have a meeting to discuss issues with parents and let all speak in open forum at an evening meeting.

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