Blogging “cyber tools”

Students will explore various blog styles as they learn the history of blogging. Students will explore blogs for artistic and critical merit. We will critique blogs, while developing analysis of successful blogging methods.

Phase 1: Introduction and Theory

Participants will explore the theory and practice of:
- Blogging as a mode of writing, documenting, art, activism, new media
- Technical basis of blogging
- Installing your own blog: website, server & programming configurations for custom php blogs
- Free resources for blogging and networking
- Successful blogging methods
- Blogging as a portfolio
- Creating critical dialogue blogs
- Digital Narratives
- Documenting your artwork or experiences on a blog
- Safe practices for publishing your work online

Phase 2: Practical Experience: Student Blogs

Students will develop and maintain a student blog.  In an effort to promote the use of electronic publishing, watershed students will participate in the creation and maintenance of an electronic blog to help them document their school experience. This class offers a unique possibility for the student, allowing them to use the blog to build a portfolio of their work, or possibly to document their experiences, goals and adventures.

Phase 3: Finishing Process and Perspectives

An evaluation and feedback session will be held so participants can have an opportunity to implement changes to their blogs before they go live. The intention of the class is to create interest in the students to create and maintain blogs which describe their experiences, achievements and growth at school. These blogs could be archived and linked within the the school site, creating a positive electronic experience for students and the school alike.