Extra credit Blog-between 1 and 5 points possible

Name:  ______________ ______________

Class:  _____________________________

Type of Blog:  _______________________

Description of Blog:

 

Number of links in blog:  __________

Why did you choose this blog:

Number of words/pictures in blog or pictures:

Points you hope to earn (circle one):  1  2  3  4  5

 

 

 

Rules for Blog posts and Extra Credit opportunities-EXCITING

Below are some guidelines I have established that go along with the rubric.  You should be aware of these.  I also discuss extra credit opportunities for blogs.

So from time to time in class you may feel like doing a blog on anything.  I am willing to give you some extra credit for your own personal blogs (as we will discuss in class).  You might wonder what are some blogs you can do to receive this extra credit.  Look at the examples below and the guidelines that expected to be met if you want your blog to be eligible for extra credit.

Passion blogs:  What is something you are passionate about?  Football, working out, food, politics, history, more history, government, etc.  Find something you love or hate and share your passion.

class-related responses:  Respond to something we are reading/discussing in class.  Respond meaning to present a high level of understanding, opinion on, and any/all confusion others might have on the topic-must be very analytical/high level thinking, and it probably should include reading an article or external source and links.

Outside response:   Responding to a text of your choice.  Texts may be TV shows, films, blog posts, news broadcasts, videos, books, etc.  A response will include upper level thoughts (confusion, compare contrast, analyzing) , feelings (happy/sad/angry), interests, and links.

Interdisciplinary Response:  Write a post on something you learned/learning in another class.  Science labs, concepts in math, writings in English, poems in English, articles, amendments in Government, etc. are examples you might use. 

Current Event posts-Write a post about a current events topic.  Explain the event in great detail and share your thoughts about it.

Vlog:  Video Blog-Presenting your idea orally instead of in writing.  You must embed your video in your blog-no links.

Wordless Blog-Use only multimedia content (photographs, gifs, vines, etc.)  No URL's.  Images and videos need to be embedded so the reader can see them while scrolling.

How to blog-self explanatory

Free choice-keep it school appropriate

Requirements
Should be between 400-600 words (except wordless posts obviously) for the most part.  Short paragraphs are preferable because they are easier for the reader to understand, read, and follow along.

Single space
Double space between paragraphs
Don't indent paragraphs

Links/images-all posts should have at least one
Do not copy/paste URLs into text of post.  Create hyperlinks in posts that are a contrasting color from text of main body.

This is the chance to write your post in your own style.  Be witty, clever, serious or whatever.  If you take a side on an argument-support it. 

Debate the idea, not the individual.  Contribute to the discussion.

Cite everything with links to the source.  Do not use URL's.

Think before you post!

Statistics, use of clever pictures, and quotations can be very effective.

So here is the rubric that I will be using in class to grade your blogs.  Note that depending on the length of the blog-the corresponding points that will available as discussed in class.  You have been given a paper copy but feel free to access this rubric as needed in the future.  Enjoy!

Blogging Evaluation /30,20,10pts

 Blogging Responses (Excellent = 2 Satisfactory = 1 Unsatisfactory = 0)

 

Integration/synthesis of Concepts and Principles	Critical Thinking	Applications and Personal Examples	Writing standards	Timeliness
The blogging responses demonstrate an integration of concepts and principals from classroom discussions and/or readings while reflecting an understanding of fundamental principles.	Postings frequently demonstrate use of upper level thinking (analysis, synthesis, evaluation) and illustrate a thoughtful approach to the content.	The blogging responses share personal connections to the topic  while at the same time integrating the information from class readings. Postings apply course concepts insightfully.	The writing from blogging posts is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Ideas and responses are communicated clearly and coherently.	The responses are submitted on or before the due date.
Excellent  Satisfactory  Unsatisfactory _______            TOTAL                 X3,2,1 _______	Excellent Satisfactory  Unsatisfactory ________ TOTAL X3,2,1 ______	Excellent  Satisfactory  Unsatisfactory ________ TOTAL X3,,2,1 _______	Excellent  Satisfactory  Unsatisfactory ________ TOTAL X3,2,1 ______	Excellent  Satisfactory  Unsatisfactory ________ TOTAL X3,2,1 _____

Getting Started

Friday, August 30, 2013

Please read these steps carefully and complete step1 before class tomorrow.  You will be creating your own blog page to use as an ongoing e-journal throughout the duration of this course.  You will be expected to use the next couple of days to develop your blog using creative yet appropriate images, design, fonts, colors, etc. to make it your own.  You need to follow the steps as well as the restrictions that are listed below.

NOTE:  Do not use last names on the blog and do not use specific identifiers such as your address or the name of our school.  Instead, you can consider using your first and middle names or other nicknames and for the school, simply say a suburban high school or something like that.

STEP 1: Please go to https://www.blogger.com/start and follow the steps to create your blog.  Begin by clicking on “Create a blog.”  If it asks to text you a verification code, you can do that without fear of google spamming you.  Don’t feel pressured for a good title – this is changeable, but the url address is permanent.  As you fill out the info,  PLEASE BE SURE THAT YOU WRITE DOWN THE FOLLOWING INFO:

 USERNAME:  _____________________________

PASSWORD: ______________________________

BLOG ADDRESS/URL:  http://www.                                                     .blogspot.com/

AND YOUR PASSWORD TO GIVE TO Mr. Reints

 

STEP 2:  Click on settings and then click on comments and scroll down to the bottom where it says Comment Notification Email.  Enter in the email address you check most frequently.

STEP 3: Once you have created a blog and are logged into your blogpage (which should be at the blog address in Step 1)

• Click Design(At the top) or "layout"(on the side)  
• Then--> (on the side bar) click "add gadget" --> scroll down and click add link list
• In the “new site url” box, write: http://sociologyrei.blogspot.com
• In the “new site name” box, write: Reints’s Page

Click “add a link” to add any other links that will make your blogsite more useable (add any websites you might check frequently like your yahoo/aol/hotmail, or your facebook or whatever).

STEP 4:  Feel free to add pictures/change fonts/layouts/templates to make this blog personal and conducive to you!  There’s lots of gadgets – feel free to explore them. 

STEP 5: Use for the Course:

• You are to make at least 1 post (on your own page) and 2 comments (on a classmate’s page each week) but feel free to post more.

For this class, each post should (This is how you will be graded):

• Should demonstrate that you understand the sociology terms, ideas and content in class.
• Should apply the sociology to your own life and help others understand the sociology.  Use examples from your own life, or examples you find in your posts.  Be unique.  Avoid cliché’s.  Make your blog authentic.  Bring in new ideas from your experiences, what you read, your daily life, etc.
• Write properly, use proper prose and grammar, and post on time – by classtime the last day of each week.
• Comment on a different classmate’s page each week.

STEP 6: First post:  Blog 1

• Who am I?  Write a blog entry that defines who you are.  Explain to the class what makes up the person you are.  What are the biggest influences in your life?  What are your goals/purposes in life?  

Precautions:

• Please remember that this blog should be treated as seriously as you would treat a test or an essay or a project for class.

• You should also refrain from using your full last name anywhere on the blog.

• You will be responsible for monitoring what people have posted on your blog. 

This is not your facebook account, you need to be aware that this site is public, therefore DO NOT use your Full Name on the page, DO NOT use information that a “creeper” could use to identify you.   DO keep your posts, pictures, and songs appropriate.

So welcome to my class blog.  You will be able to access blogs for your particular class by clicking on the links to the right.  You will be able to access your blog as well as those of your classmates also.  Good luck!