Blogging Guidelines

1. Think about your digital footprint

Your posts could be viewed globally. Make sure this is the representation you want the world to see. Be sure to check spelling, grammar, punctuation, and academic vocabulary to assure yourself as a credible footprint. Proofread and double check your work before you publish.  Be sure to put your best foot forward.

 

2. Keep your personal information private

It is important to keep your school name, last name, phone number, screen names, and personal email addresses private. Don’t be specific about event places or interests (team names). Stick to your first name and last initial. Your blog is PUBLIC, so it is important to only post information you want the world knowing.

3. Be kind and constructive

It is important to be kind and compassionate in your posts.  There will be times that you will be posting about your opinions and something you are passionate about.  Just know, it is a risk to post your thoughts and feelings.  There may be others that do not agree with you, but it is important to not be hurtful or harmful when posting or commenting.  When commenting on others posts, make sure you remain positive and constructive.  Point out the good things and help them to become the best blogger they can be.  Do not report misconceptions or things that you do not know to be true.  This will help establish your credibility.

Be sure to THINK before you post.

4. Write about others only with their permission

Your peers, classmates, family members, and others must give you permission to write about them. If you do have permission, use only the first name.  If permission is not given, do not state the name! Be wise when sharing stories about peers and classmates. If the story will make the subject uncomfortable to know it has been shared publicly, do not share it. This also includes giving credit to others if you use their work. You MUST cite your sources, or you will be plagiarizing.  

5. Keep it educational

There will always be an educational purpose for writing your blog assignment. Be careful when you are adding your own ideas and posts when you are Publishing it. That is fine, but be sure to keep it educational and school appropriate. If you have a personal blog, do not link it to your educational blog.

Commenting Guidelines

STUDENT COMMENT GUIDELINES

There are times you will be required to or want to post on another student’s blog.  To make sure you are commenting appropriately, be sure to use the following guidelines. Do not use texting shortcuts, such as u for you, l8r, for later, etc. Even if you do not use each step, you need to have a positive comment.

1. Highlight, Praise, Connect and Share

It is important to point out something nice or something you like or appreciate about the post. Be polite, friendly, encouraging, and stay positive. It is okay to use humour, but try to avoid sarcasm. Remember, tone can not be determined on posts. Say something about the original post. Discuss how you connect with the post or have a similar experience. You could mention a time when you had a similar experience or how you can relate or understand their post. Do not get “silly.” Remain formal in your postings. Add your blog address so they person will know how to contact you.    

2. Put your best foot forward

Be sure to use correct spelling and sentence structure.  Do not use all capital letters. This is like yelling at the person. Double check your capitalization at the beginning of a sentence and I.  Punctuate properly by adding a period at the end of a sentence, space after the period, and commas. You only need to use one “!.”  A string of them is not needed. Make sure your comments are complete and polished.   

3. Respectfully Disagree

There may be times you do not agree with your peers and that is okay. It is important to give a positive comment before you discuss your alternative view.  When you are giving your counter argument, be sure it is given in a kind and respectful tone.

4. Ask Questions and Talk it Out

If there is question you would like to ask, ask it!  That is a great way to start a discussion. Your post should be a paragraph (at least 5 sentences) in length to give effective feedback. Make it meaningful and worthwhile. You are trying to engage the blogger in a conversation!

5. Remember your digital privacy.

Use your first name only to identify yourself. Do not give out your email, address, phone number, or school name.  Don’t share specifics of your daily routines that involve time and location (ie where & when your practice is).