How to Blog
     
  1. What's a Blog?

"Blog" is short for web log, a kind of running personal bulletin board on the world wide web. You've probably read others' blogs before, even if you didn't realize it. They are an easy way to place materials on the web. Check out a few of my teaching blogs,  those created by students in my courses 121, 752, or a few "independent" entries like those of Silliman and Berube.

2. How will you use it?

You will use the blog to chart your research process; I have linked your blog to a blogroll of students in our class, and track new entries myself. This should help us maintain a dialogue. 

 

3. How do I get started?

A service called Blogspot will allow you to create a free "Account". You'll simply go to this site, following the directions to set up your blog. (Later, you can create additional blogs for other purposes without creating a new username and account.) You'll have to choose your own:

  1. username
  2. password
  3. display name

Make sure you record the username/password and blog name you ultimately select. If you loose it... the IUP helpdesk won't be able to help you.

4. What title and address should I choose?

The next screen will allow you to choose title and part of your address.  Since we'll both need to consult your log over the course of the semester, I'll ask that you choose an informative title (Ethnopoetics with John etc.) and follow the simple formula for the address:

IUP-ENGL202-LastnameFirstname

So if I were a student in this class, mine would be:
IUP-ENGL202-SherwoodKenneth

And my full address would be:

http://IUP-ENGL202-SherwoodKenneth.blogspot.com

Please use your official IUP name and follow this format carefully. This will help make sure we don't have any lost blogs!  

 

5. What do I do next?


When you have successfully created your blog, you should write an introductory post.  I suggest posting a list of titles you'll be reading.

  1. Choose Create a New Post
  2. Enter (or cut and paste) text
  3. Then choose the "Publish Post" option.

 

  
  5. Check to see that your entry has posted. Sometimes students will write an entry but neglect to "Publish" it! (If you've done this, don't worry it's still in your account; return and post it.) Then check the 9:45 AM - blog roll to see that it links through.

 

 

  
  Tips, Hints and Reminders
  • Create New Posts - When you login, the dashboard will allow you to enter your blog and add new posts.  Don't create a new blog for each entry. Only create a new blog if you want to work on an unrelated project.
  • It's Not Lost - Your blog will move posts into an archive; look for "missing" posts listed in the archive list (usually in the right or left margin. To verify a new post, be sure you have selected the "publish" option and that you refresh your browser.
  • Working on Long Posts - You may find it useful to be able to start a post and then "save" it for further editing before posting.
  • Backup - I have used blogger with classes for 2 years now and have not actually seen an instance of a blog being erased! Still, I suggest that you either work in MSWord and paste material into Blogger or periodically print your work, so that there's no risk that your work will become victim of a technical failure.
  • Comments - Whether you disclose the address of your blog to just me, or to some of your peers, you may find it useful to be notified by email when someone leaves a comment. To do so, select "Settings" tab, "comments" and then provide your email address at the bottom of the page.

 

  
 

 
 

  

 

 
 
 

 

Courses | Sherwood |IUP English | IUP
Last Updated: 09 December, 2008