Blogcautionary

You do need to remember to be aware of the potential dangers and concerns when you invite your students to participate in blogging with you.

• Determine that all students' AUPs (Acceptable Use Policy) are in place and up to date.
• This is a paperwork thing that should be sorted out at the beginning of the school year, but double check anyway to make sure.
• Inform parents of procedures and secure parental permission.
• Send home a quick email or a short note home to parents explaining why you would like to have your students blog and invite parents to monitor their students' blogs at home too, if they have concerns.
• Teach students safe, acceptable, and sensible behavior as online authors and readers.
• INTERNET SAFETY IS A MUST.
• Create rules and procedures for technology usage and potentially create some specifically for blogging.
• Review policies and guidelines pertaining to student access.
• This should be outlined with the paperwork that students filled out at the beginning of the school year.
• Teach the non-posting rules of no complete names, e-mail accounts, or references to reveal location.
• This can be included in your rules and procedures.
• Set clear expectations regarding tone, respect, and consequences.
• Provide rewards and include them in your classroom management system.