Wed and Thurs Lesson

Each class will be in the computer lab on Wed and Thurs - starting up your blogs. I want to give you the assignment ahead of time, so you can read it and at least familiarize yourself with what I am asking you to do.

Here is the assignment you will get in class on Wednesday (9H - Computer Lab 3) and Thursday (9G - Computer Lab 1):

Mrs. Clark
English 9
Personal Blog

Today you will create your personal blog and begin “building content” (which means, creating posts).

Step by Step:

1. Go to blogger.com
2. Click on the large, orange arrow that says “Create Your Own Blog”
3. Type in your email address (twice)
4. Type in a password (twice)
5. Choose a “Display Name” (this is the name that will come up on your blog and should probably be the same one you use when you comment on the class blog so we can avoid confusion)
6. Type in the “word verification”
7. Check the “Acceptance of terms” box
8. Click on the large, orange arrow that says “Continue”

Next Screen:
1. Choose a title of your blog – this will be displayed on your blog and on your dashboard (the place where you manage your blogs)
2. Choose a blog address (or URL) and check to see if it is available. If it is not available, change it to find one that will work for you that is available (it may not be your first choice, but you have to find something that will do).
3. Click on the large, orange arrow that says “Continue”

Next Screen:
1. Scroll through the designs offered and choose one that reflects the content of your blog or the mood you want your blog to have. You can always change it later if you want, but I want you to choose something for now.

Next Screen:
1. Click on the large, orange arrow that says “Start Blogging”

There are 3 tabs on the next screen that you can click on and play around with. Postings/Settings/Layout. Each one will let you manipulate your blog in different ways. The two tabs I want you to focus on are the posting tab and the layout tab.

1. I want you to create at least one post today (you can create more, but I want to see at least one by the end of the period). When you create a post, title it, write it, and then click on the large orange, “Publish Post” button. Then you can view the blog and see what your post looks like. Be sure to use the spell check and proofread your post before publishing. If you notice something is not the way you wanted it, you can always go back and edit it more.
2. Using the layout tab, I want you to add some things of your choice to the side bar using the layout options. You can go and add a gadget or somehow manipulate the way comments will be received or anything that you choose, but I want to see you personalize you blog in some way.
3. Using the layout tab again, I want you to change the color scheme of your blog to make it more personalized using the “fonts and colors” link. I would also like if you went and edited the header to look the way you want it to be.

NOTE: Every time you make a change be sure to preview what you have done. This way you can go back and edit it or leave it the way you have made it if you like it.

ENJOY!!