Peer Responses

BLOG DAY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Please double-check the accessibility of your blog here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Agn7JJUJuIWfdERFdGhoUFh2ZldjdF8yMldYcWd5V0E

2. Then if you're not listed, or your link is broken, please fill out the form here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dElGeWlMYlY5U09oSnJfRnRNLWd5aXc6MQ#gid=0

3. You will comment on a post from three students. Find your assigned students here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Agn7JJUJuIWfdHJ6eUg3UUhQenZER1c0LXNhS0pSRHc

3a: Reply to the contents of one of their posts. Enter a conversation w/ this student. What do you have in common? What questions might you have for them? Agree or disagree with them (respectfully), explain why. What do you like about their post? Can you add any relevant information?

3b: Comment on how they might improve their posts: strong verbs, transitions, clarity, spelling, image inclusion.

3c: I suggest composing your comments on a google docs page, then copy and paste it into the comments section so you're less likely to lose any work.
4. Fill out a blog-ress (blog progress) slip. The first three bullet-points refer to your classmates' posts. Bullet-points 4-6 refer to your own blog.

5. You may spend the rest of the class period working on your blog.

Blogs Blogs Blogs!

 NEW YORK TIMES BLOGS
(a little bit of EVERYTHING!)

NPR BLOGS

LA TIMES BLOGS

OC REGISTER BLOGS

Thanks to Emily & Aubrey at Where The Classroom Ends for the links and blurbs on the following blogs (I borrowed this verbatim from them):

CURRENT EVENTS
Analysis & Opinion-Reuters
The New York Times Room for Debate
Information driven blogs include: The Two-Way, The Lede, Global Spin

SPORTS
Sporting Scene-The New Yorker
Information driven blogs include: The Early Lead, ESPN Sports Blogs


POP CULTURE 
Monkey See-NPR
Information driven blogs include: Celebritology 2.0, Media Decoder, The TV Column


SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Bits

From apps to cyber security to the online presence of celebrities, this blog has a little bit of everything for the student interested in technology, business and policy.  Often posts even discuss big picture implications and the role of technology in society. 

The Washington Post

Faster Forward

This blog focuses on stories about technology, specifically “gadgets.”  The writing is easy to read and posts include video and image which allows students the challenge and satisfaction of working in different textual mediums. 

Wired Magazine

Geek Dad

These posts are written by parents about everything from poetry to film to tech. Since the posts are written by a variety of authors, studying voice throughout is a great focus. 

Wired Science

Videos and image populate this blog.  Posts range from nature to outer space offering a variety of lenses through which students can read and experience any element of science blog writing that might engage them. 

Danger Room

A personal favorite, this blog deals with national security, technology and current events.  Interested in safety at the London Olympics?  Concerned about how military technology adapts? The posts are incredibly engaging even for an English teacher. 

NPR

Krulwich Wonders

We’ve highlighted Krulwich Wonders before.  It’s a great blog of just about everything you could ever want including, but not limited to, the science of language, architecture, nature, etc.  It will easily become a student favorite. 

All Tech Considered

Posts about tech on this blog range from information about start-up companies to the ethics of tech in modern culture.  Very readable and engaging for any student. 

13.7

All of the contributors for this blog are comprised of professors with science specialties, as well as one philosopher.  The posts are engrossing and deal with a variety of big picture arguments that are rooted in science and philosophy. 

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/blogs/directory.html#blogCulture


    
 

FAQ:

Q: How often will we have to post to our blog?

A: We'll start with weekly, two reader response and two self-selected subject posts per month.

 Q: Can I change the URLs (web addresses) to my blog and Twitter?

A: Yes, but if you do, just be sure you let me know so I can update our class blog list.

Q: Will these blogs be graded regularly?

A: Yes, I will provide a rubric with specific expectations by which your blog will be graded.

Q: How should we embed the reading posts and our other posts?

A: You don't have to blend or mix them. They will be their own posts with their own titles, tags, etc.

 Q: Are we allowed to talk about more than one thing we like or is the blog just specifically about one subject?

A: You can write about more than one thing, but I'm hoping everyone's blog will have a focus subject that you return to again and again. But that focus can change. Just remember your audience!

Q: Are we going to be blogging a lot on both websites at the same time? 

A: Not necessarily. Your Twitter will act more as a web filter to help you find things to write about and respond to. But feel free to use Twitter as you wish.

Q: Do we have to create a google plus profile? Or can we keep our old blogger profile so that we can remain somewhat anonymous?

A: You can keep your old profile and just start a new blog. You're welcome to and I'd advise that your URL be anonymous to the world, but your classmates will have access to your blog.

You can also use an previous Twitter account. You don't necessarily need a new one, but it would be nice to have one that focuses on this project so you don't get distracted by Ashton Kutcher, Kim Kardashian, and anyone else you might follow.

Q: I feel like I might get confused on future assignments because I'm not really familiar with either of these websites.

A: Don't worry, you'll have lots of help and support!

And away you go!