Guidelines for Honors English II Blog

Blog Guidelines for Honors English II

You MUST read the blog guidelines below before posting on this blog. I will need you to post a confirmation that you have done so by simply replying to this posting with, "I agree to the guidelines" if you have read and understand the guidelines.

This is a set of general guidelines for the use of weblogs (“blogs”) in my class. Blogs are considered an extension of the classroom and therefore are subject to these guidelines as well as the rules and regulations of Clement H.S. and DPS. The use of school computers is limited to assigned schoolwork; personal blogs that do not pertain to classwork should not be accessed from school computers. If you are ever in doubt about the appropriateness of an item - ask a parent or teacher.
Safe and Responsible Blogging

The most basic guideline to remember when blogging is that the blog is an extension of your classroom. You should not write anything on a blog that you would not say or write in your classroom. Use common sense.Here are some specific items to consider:
1. The use of blogs is considered an extension of your classroom. Therefore, any speech that is considered inappropriate in the classroom is inappropriate on a blog. This includes, but is not limited to, profanity; racist, sexist or discriminatory remarks; personal attacks.

2. Blogs are used primarily as learning tools, either as extensions of conversations and thinking outside of regular class time, or as the basis for beginning new classroom discussions. Either way, be sure to follow all rules and suggestions that are offered by your teachers regarding appropriate posting in your class.

3. Blogs are about ideas – therefore, agree or disagree with the idea, not the person. Freedom of speech does not give you the right to be uncivil. Use constructive criticism and use evidence to support your position. Read others’ posts carefully – often in the heat of the moment you may think that a person is saying one thing, when really they are not.

4. Try not to generalize. Sentences that start with words like “All” (e.g., “All teachers,” “All administrators,” “All girls, etc.) are typically going to be too general.

5. Blogs are public. Whatever you post on a blog can be read by anyone and everyone on the Internet. Even if you delete a post or comment, it has often already been archived elsewhere on the web. Do not post anything that you wouldn’t want your parents, grandmothers/grandfathers, teachers, worst enemy, a college admissions staff or a future employer to read.

6. Blog safely. NEVER post personal information on the web (including, but not limited to, last names, personal details including address or phone numbers, or photographs). (Note: The advice to not use your last name is for your protection. Do not, under any circumstances, agree to meet someone you have met over the Internet.)

7. Because your login to the blogging site (e.g., Blogger) is typically linked to your profile, any personal blog you create in class is directly linked to your class blog and must follow these blogging guidelines.

8. Linking to web sites from your blog or blog comments in support of your argument is an excellent idea. But never link to something without reading the entire article to make sure it is appropriate for a school setting.

9. Use of quotations in a blog is acceptable. Make sure that you follow the proper formatting and cite the source of the quote.

10. Pictures of yourself, family, or friends may NOT be inserted into a blog. However, if the picture is relevant to the assignment, you may include it. Make sure that the image is appropriate for use in a school document and copyright laws are followed. Do not post any images that can identify yourself or others.

Successful Bloggers

The following are some traits of successful bloggers:1. Their posts (or comments) are well written. This includes not only good content, but – because these are school-related blogs – also follows writing conventions including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

2. Their posts (or comments) are responsive. They respond to other people’s ideas – whether it is a post by a teacher, a comment by a student, or an idea elsewhere on the Internet. The power of blogs is in their connectedness – they are connected to a larger community of ideas. Participate in that community.

3. Their posts (or comments) include textual references to support their opinions. Adding quotes or links to other works strengthens their response.

4. They participate frequently. To be part of the dialogue, you have to participate fully and consistently.

5. They are respectful of others. It’s okay to disagree; it’s not okay to be disagreeable. Be respectful of others and their opinions, and be civil when you disagree.