Comments for Blogging Guidelines for Schools http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:00:43 +1300 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 Comment on Existing MoE guidelines by Lisa Morresey http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-4-legal-requirements-and-considerations/existing-moe-guidelines/comment-page-1/#comment-44 Lisa Morresey Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:00:43 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=77#comment-44 There needs to be MoE guidelines for the use of Web 2.0 tools in schools. These guide lines need to be more definitive, rather than the school to ensure the safety of students. Forward thinking schools are using teacher log ins and the teacher joins the site. Is this accepted best practice? Guidelines and best practice examples in this area are essential and required now, so schools can speak with Boards and community with confidence and security. There needs to be MoE guidelines for the use of Web 2.0 tools in schools. These guide lines need to be more definitive, rather than the school to ensure the safety of students. Forward thinking schools are using teacher log ins and the teacher joins the site. Is this accepted best practice? Guidelines and best practice examples in this area are essential and required now, so schools can speak with Boards and community with confidence and security.

]]> Comment on Social media guidelines for staff by Conor Bolton http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-2-establishing-an-educational-blog/social-media-guidelines-for-staff/comment-page-1/#comment-35 Conor Bolton Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:51:30 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=50#comment-35 I have read of one instance where a teacher in the US lost their job because of perceived inappropriate comments made on his blog. I know of an instance in NZ where the BOT asked a teacher to close down their facebook site because there were a number of students who were his facebook friends, and this was considered inappropriate. I think, therefore, that it is very important that social media guidelines for staff are developed and that staff have PD about keeping themselves safe on line and the impact their digital footprint can have on their personal and professional lives. I have read of one instance where a teacher in the US lost their job because of perceived inappropriate comments made on his blog. I know of an instance in NZ where the BOT asked a teacher to close down their facebook site because there were a number of students who were his facebook friends, and this was considered inappropriate. I think, therefore, that it is very important that social media guidelines for staff are developed and that staff have PD about keeping themselves safe on line and the impact their digital footprint can have on their personal and professional lives.

]]> Comment on Keeping a school blog ‘on topic’ by Conor Bolton http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-2-establishing-an-educational-blog/keeping-a-school-blog-on-topic/comment-page-1/#comment-34 Conor Bolton Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:44:01 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=48#comment-34 Students considering their digital footprint is part of digital citizenship. Class blogs need to have a set of agreed protocols which determine how they are to be used. The protocols need to be drawn up by both the students and the teacher and need to reflect societal values and sound ethical behaviour. The teacher does have a responsibility to monitor class blogs, but I think so do the students, because expecting a teacher to read every students' post is unreasonable. Teachers should deal with breaches of the protocols, and students should report breaches they have come across to the teacher for follow up. Web 2.0 tools require all participants to be responsible because it is definitely about community Students considering their digital footprint is part of digital citizenship. Class blogs need to have a set of agreed protocols which determine how they are to be used. The protocols need to be drawn up by both the students and the teacher and need to reflect societal values and sound ethical behaviour.

The teacher does have a responsibility to monitor class blogs, but I think so do the students, because expecting a teacher to read every students’ post is unreasonable. Teachers should deal with breaches of the protocols, and students should report breaches they have come across to the teacher for follow up.

Web 2.0 tools require all participants to be responsible because it is definitely about community

]]> Comment on Evaluating your use of digital technologies by Conor Bolton http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-1-why-use-a-school-blog/evaluating-your-use-of-digital-technologies/comment-page-1/#comment-33 Conor Bolton Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:33:25 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=56#comment-33 Again, this question goes to the strategic thinking required behind any use of ICT or web 2.0 tool. Blogs could be seen as an alternative to a vendor specific eportfolio or LMS. I think educators will need to be evaluating the strategic consequences of more online learning opportunities and what this means for how we teach. A blog is just one of many tools to consider. Again, this question goes to the strategic thinking required behind any use of ICT or web 2.0 tool. Blogs could be seen as an alternative to a vendor specific eportfolio or LMS.

I think educators will need to be evaluating the strategic consequences of more online learning opportunities and what this means for how we teach. A blog is just one of many tools to consider.

]]> Comment on Interacting with families and whanau by Conor Bolton http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-1-why-use-a-school-blog/interacting-with-families-and-whanau/comment-page-1/#comment-32 Conor Bolton Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:29:12 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=54#comment-32 I have a concern with parents and whanau being able to edit and contribute to a class blog. I am very happy for them to view the class blog, or their child's individual school blog. This is because parents and whanau are not bound by the same rules and regulations that their children are at school. All it takes is one indiscretion. While parents/caregivers may be responsible, it is easy for siblings, cousins, etc to get online using a parent log-in and act in an immature way to bring the whole thing down. Therefore view access, Yes, edit and contribute access, No. I have a concern with parents and whanau being able to edit and contribute to a class blog. I am very happy for them to view the class blog, or their child’s individual school blog. This is because parents and whanau are not bound by the same rules and regulations that their children are at school. All it takes is one indiscretion. While parents/caregivers may be responsible, it is easy for siblings, cousins, etc to get online using a parent log-in and act in an immature way to bring the whole thing down.

Therefore view access, Yes, edit and contribute access, No.

]]> Comment on The benefits of learning blogs by Conor Bolton http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-1-why-use-a-school-blog/the-benefits-of-learning-blogs/comment-page-1/#comment-31 Conor Bolton Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:19:14 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=52#comment-31 I have to agree with Carolyn on the "why use a blog". However, I don't think developing guidelines for blogging is concerned about why use a blog. I would rather think the assumption is that a person is using a blog already and the guidelines are there to outline best practice for students and teachers when it comes to blogging I have to agree with Carolyn on the “why use a blog”. However, I don’t think developing guidelines for blogging is concerned about why use a blog. I would rather think the assumption is that a person is using a blog already and the guidelines are there to outline best practice for students and teachers when it comes to blogging

]]> Comment on Linking to external websites by Richard Barnes http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-3-monitoring-and-managing-a-school-blog/linking-to-external-websites/comment-page-1/#comment-30 Richard Barnes Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:18:25 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=32#comment-30 To me the big question is deciding ownership of the blog. It can be a school blog that links to class blogs with a clear lifespan for the work submitted. It can also be a school /class blog that links to individual blogs. Either way you have established an access point into your school that needs some form of supervision. This can usually be achieved right from the beginning with the security options available when you set up the sight. But at the same time you also have to monitor what you are sending out to the world and what sort of message do you send at the end of the year if you delete all the kid's work? After all they own the content surely. To me the big question is deciding ownership of the blog. It can be a school blog that links to class blogs with a clear lifespan for the work submitted. It can also be a school /class blog that links to individual blogs. Either way you have established an access point into your school that needs some form of supervision. This can usually be achieved right from the beginning with the security options available when you set up the sight. But at the same time you also have to monitor what you are sending out to the world and what sort of message do you send at the end of the year if you delete all the kid’s work? After all they own the content surely.

]]> Comment on The benefits of learning blogs by Richard Barnes http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-1-why-use-a-school-blog/the-benefits-of-learning-blogs/comment-page-1/#comment-29 Richard Barnes Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:06:39 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=52#comment-29 We started blogging in 2004. There are three main points I would like to contribute. First is the opportunity for small rural schools to link together through a combined blog. The kids get a much wider audience for their writing and it's surprising the effect clutermaps have. They see that people around the world have logged onto their blog and read their stories. Secondly the platform it provides for introducing other other technologies such as RSS feeds, video, graphics. Thirdly there is the downer. Changes in staff and classes can see the blogs gradually fade away. A shame as it can easily provide an ongoing portfolio of childrens work. We started blogging in 2004. There are three main points I would like to contribute. First is the opportunity for small rural schools to link together through a combined blog. The kids get a much wider audience for their writing and it’s surprising the effect clutermaps have. They see that people around the world have logged onto their blog and read their stories. Secondly the platform it provides for introducing other other technologies such as RSS feeds, video, graphics. Thirdly there is the downer. Changes in staff and classes can see the blogs gradually fade away. A shame as it can easily provide an ongoing portfolio of childrens work.

]]> Comment on What platform? by Philip Waller http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-5-platforms-and-tools/what-platform/comment-page-1/#comment-26 Philip Waller Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:07:43 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=16#comment-26 A consideration may be which platform is most likely to be visited by your intended target audience. Not sure if this is a valid consideration or not. I like the fact that the name "edublogs" possibly already signifies the type of blog we are writing. I also like the fact that this platform in itself is a community and there are some possible avenues to easily make links. A consideration may be which platform is most likely to be visited by your intended target audience. Not sure if this is a valid consideration or not. I like the fact that the name “edublogs” possibly already signifies the type of blog we are writing. I also like the fact that this platform in itself is a community and there are some possible avenues to easily make links.

]]> Comment on Social media guidelines for staff by nancygroh http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-2-establishing-an-educational-blog/social-media-guidelines-for-staff/comment-page-1/#comment-24 nancygroh Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:40:26 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=50#comment-24 Hi Tony Your response has made me rethink that last paragraph here. "... involved in national and global conversations that enhance their professional learning and broaden PD opportunities for the school." Hi Tony
Your response has made me rethink that last paragraph here. “… involved in national and global conversations that enhance their professional learning and broaden PD opportunities for the school.”

]]> Comment on How a blog differs to a website by nancygroh http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-2-establishing-an-educational-blog/how-a-blog-differs-to-a-website/comment-page-1/#comment-23 nancygroh Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:43:59 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=45#comment-23 Do your students contribute to class blogs outside of normal school hours? on weekends? Do your students contribute to class blogs outside of normal school hours? on weekends?

]]> Comment on Interacting with families and whanau by nancygroh http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-1-why-use-a-school-blog/interacting-with-families-and-whanau/comment-page-1/#comment-22 nancygroh Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:37:52 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=54#comment-22 Do you actively encourage parent participation in your school blog? If so what response do you get from parents and caregivers? What advice would you give about parent participation in blogs? Do you actively encourage parent participation in your school blog? If so what response do you get from parents and caregivers? What advice would you give about parent participation in blogs?

]]> Comment on Interacting with families and whanau by Rachel http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-1-why-use-a-school-blog/interacting-with-families-and-whanau/comment-page-1/#comment-21 Rachel Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:36:47 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=54#comment-21 Perhaps something in the guidelines about how to communicate with families & whanau about how students use their blogs & other web 2.0 media when they are at home. Making these guidelines that are applicable at school & at home. Perhaps something in the guidelines about how to communicate with families & whanau about how students use their blogs & other web 2.0 media when they are at home. Making these guidelines that are applicable at school & at home.

]]> Comment on What do you think? by tonysearl http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-6-discussion-questions-for-your-school/what-do-you-think/comment-page-1/#comment-20 tonysearl Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:16:05 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=4#comment-20 These evaluation questions need considerable discussion. They also prompt even more questions about wider issues of digital citizenship. A highly recommended list to initiate staff PD on this topic. Thank you, I know my faculty will benefit. These evaluation questions need considerable discussion. They also prompt even more questions about wider issues of digital citizenship. A highly recommended list to initiate staff PD on this topic. Thank you, I know my faculty will benefit.

]]> Comment on Free versus paid for? by tonysearl http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-5-platforms-and-tools/free-versus-paid-for/comment-page-1/#comment-19 tonysearl Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:10:56 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=12#comment-19 NSW DET have developed their own intranet blog platform. Advantages include ease of sign in, many issues of child protection are alieviated and commonality amongst DET NSW schools. Disadvantages are it is ultimately still a closed blog network and does not extend concept of true digital citizenship as students are "guided" to some degree in their involvement. A workable half way solution may be the best way to look at this govt initiative. NSW DET have developed their own intranet blog platform. Advantages include ease of sign in, many issues of child protection are alieviated and commonality amongst DET NSW schools. Disadvantages are it is ultimately still a closed blog network and does not extend concept of true digital citizenship as students are “guided” to some degree in their involvement. A workable half way solution may be the best way to look at this govt initiative.

]]> Comment on Social media guidelines for staff by tonysearl http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-2-establishing-an-educational-blog/social-media-guidelines-for-staff/comment-page-1/#comment-18 tonysearl Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:04:22 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=50#comment-18 Social media should be validated by employers as a crucial self directed PD activity. Independent and group (social) learning on topics that professionally engage need to be recognised by employers.Possibly an elearning PD portfolio could collate staff learning. Social media should be validated by employers as a crucial self directed PD activity. Independent and group (social) learning on topics that professionally engage need to be recognised by employers.Possibly an elearning PD portfolio could collate staff learning.

]]> Comment on Free versus paid for? by Chris Hails http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-5-platforms-and-tools/free-versus-paid-for/comment-page-1/#comment-8 Chris Hails Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:43:25 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=12#comment-8 Have been investigating Edublogs Jo and as WordPress fan it looks like a great offering for the sector. Wish I'd got over to see your Twitter for Teachers presentation at Ulearn Breakout 4 Have been investigating Edublogs Jo and as WordPress fan it looks like a great offering for the sector. Wish I’d got over to see your Twitter for Teachers presentation at Ulearn Breakout 4

]]> Comment on Enhancing your blog by Chris Hails http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-5-platforms-and-tools/enhancing-your-blog/comment-page-1/#comment-7 Chris Hails Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:37:35 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=9#comment-7 I am listing many of the tools shared by teachers at Ulearn09 for easy linking. Adoption appears to be fragmented and the volume of applications 'in the cloud' amazes me but there are many visually appealing and easy to use tools out there for posting all types of content on your blog. See http://wallwisher.com/wall/greatsites I am listing many of the tools shared by teachers at Ulearn09 for easy linking. Adoption appears to be fragmented and the volume of applications ‘in the cloud’ amazes me but there are many visually appealing and easy to use tools out there for posting all types of content on your blog. See http://wallwisher.com/wall/greatsites

]]> Comment on Free versus paid for? by Jo Fothergill http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-5-platforms-and-tools/free-versus-paid-for/comment-page-1/#comment-6 Jo Fothergill Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:55:47 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=12#comment-6 The other thing that can be considered is a piggy back system - I am a paying user of my own blog (at edublogs) and have been able to make my class blog adfree because of that. The other thing that can be considered is a piggy back system – I am a paying user of my own blog (at edublogs) and have been able to make my class blog adfree because of that.

]]> Comment on The benefits of learning blogs by Jo Fothergill http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-1-why-use-a-school-blog/the-benefits-of-learning-blogs/comment-page-1/#comment-5 Jo Fothergill Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:30:07 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=52#comment-5 What about authentic audience? There's nothing like writing for an audience that's wider than your teacher/whanau. My students love getting comments from others around NZ and the world - it makes them proud of themselves and their writing. What about authentic audience? There’s nothing like writing for an audience that’s wider than your teacher/whanau. My students love getting comments from others around NZ and the world – it makes them proud of themselves and their writing.

]]> Comment on The benefits of learning blogs by nancygroh http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-1-why-use-a-school-blog/the-benefits-of-learning-blogs/comment-page-1/#comment-4 nancygroh Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:56:18 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=52#comment-4 Hi Carolyn Good point ! Our initial brief was to develop guidelines for blogging . The final version may have a broader scope. What are your thoughts on the final “questions” section? Does it need stronger language to encourage educators to consider how a blog contributes to an overall strategic plan and educational outcomes for students? Nancy Hi Carolyn
Good point ! Our initial brief was to develop guidelines for blogging . The final version may have a broader scope. What are your thoughts on the final “questions” section? Does it need stronger language to encourage educators to consider how a blog contributes to an overall strategic plan and educational outcomes for students?

Nancy

]]> Comment on Free versus paid for? by Michael Fawcett http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-5-platforms-and-tools/free-versus-paid-for/comment-page-1/#comment-3 Michael Fawcett Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:40:15 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=12#comment-3 Don't forget that free or paid are not the only choices. Wordpress.org or wordpressmu offer a blogging platform that can be installed and hosted on a schools own server, giving more control. The software itself is free, but there may a cost involved with installation. After that it should be free to use - with a little maintenance here and there. Don’t forget that free or paid are not the only choices. Wordpress.org or wordpressmu offer a blogging platform that can be installed and hosted on a schools own server, giving more control. The software itself is free, but there may a cost involved with installation. After that it should be free to use – with a little maintenance here and there.

]]> Comment on The benefits of learning blogs by carolynstuart http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/section-1-why-use-a-school-blog/the-benefits-of-learning-blogs/comment-page-1/#comment-2 carolynstuart Tue, 29 Sep 2009 03:38:32 +0000 http://ulearn.netsafe.org.nz/blogging-guidelines/?p=52#comment-2 Great start everyone and I am certain that this will become an essential tool for all New Zealand schools. I am wondering why these guidelines are focussed around blogging and have not taken a more generic approach to web 2.0 tools. It woudl be helpful to have a list of the web 2.0 tools which are just blogs in another guise and then think about what web 2.0 tools have been missed. How can we support schools to implement web 2.0 tools strategically rather than the current developmental model present in most schools? Strategic implementation is about being certain of why we are deploying a particular web 2.0 tool and what are the key outcomes for doing so. We always need to start with the purpose and find the tool - not the other way around. Great start everyone and I am certain that this will become an essential tool for all New Zealand schools.

I am wondering why these guidelines are focussed around blogging and have not taken a more generic approach to web 2.0 tools. It woudl be helpful to have a list of the web 2.0 tools which are just blogs in another guise and then think about what web 2.0 tools have been missed.

How can we support schools to implement web 2.0 tools strategically rather than the current developmental model present in most schools? Strategic implementation is about being certain of why we are deploying a particular web 2.0 tool and what are the key outcomes for doing so. We always need to start with the purpose and find the tool – not the other way around.

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