How to build a blog

HOW TO BUILD A BLOG (or website)

1.      Look at other blogs to get an idea about what you want in your own blog

·         What do you like?

·         What do you not like?

·         What designs appeal to you?

·         What kind of content presentation is most engaging and useful?

2.      Consider the goals of your blog (these can be changed at any time)

·         Is this directed to friend, other teachers, students, or potential employers?

·         Will you use this to communicate information, expand your lessons from the classroom, or build an informational resource?  All?  More?

·         How will you manage posts by others?  Open?  Managed?  Members only?

·         Will the blog be public or private?

3.      Decide if you want a stand-alone blog or a blog imbedded within a website

·         Website may be easier to navigate & some email providers offer free sites with your web service package (check if you have cable internet access or who you pay for your web access through)

·         Free blogging hosts easily available and easily set up

4.      Find a Provider (website that helps people setup and build websites and blogs)

·         Blogger.com (affiliated with Google)

·         http://websitesetupguide.com/

·         http://www.livejournal.com/

·         http://www.braveapps.com/journal/

·         Check your school system for technologies they offer

·         Again, check your service provider if you want to do this with a full website

5.      Name your Blog

6.      Select a Template

·         Your provider should have a selection of ready-made designs available to make your blog look attractive and engaging

·         Select a template that represents both your personality and what you want the readers to think about your content

7.       Choose  your Settings

·         This is where you will determine privacy settings and availability of your Blog for posting by other members, non-members and posting moderation

8.      Select additional Features

·         Do you have a list of websites to share?

·         Documents to post for availability?

·         Lots of freebie and pay-for blog applications available if you’re interested

9.      Test it out!

·         Write a few posts, share the web address, ask for people to become ‘followers’ of your blog and post comments. 

·         If your audience is your students then this should be a homework assignment or in-class computer lab activity.