Adding Widgets to Your Blog

Wondering how you can jazz up your blog a bit?  Try embedding widgets! Widgets are the same thing as gadgets, except they are not necessarily designed by Google.  To use a widget, you need to work with HTML, but they make it very easy.

First, find the widget that you want on your blog.  Copy the HTML code.  Then, back on your blog, add the HTML/Java gadget.  Give it a title, paste in your HTML code, and voila!  When you look at your blog, it should be there.  It really couldn't be easier. 

Right now, my favorite site is Widgetbox.  I'll post more if I find some that I think are worthy of sharing.  If you find any that you'd like to share, you can add them in a comment below. 

Have fun!

Purpose & Potential of Blogging

Now that we have had some practice, I want to know what you think.  This blog post has three parts...

1. In one short paragraph, please explain the purpose of blogging.  Think about why people blog, and also why people follow blogs.
2. In another short paragraph, suggest at least three ways that we could use our class blog.
3. In a third short paragraph, suggest at least three ways that you could use your personal blog.

Remember to read over your posts before you submit them.  Grammar and spelling matter!

Welcome! What are your expectations?

Welcome to Global Awareness!

We are going to use this space to share ideas, talk about issues, and reflect upon what's going on in the world around us.  Remember, this is a respectful forum!

I'd like to know what makes a good teacher, and I would like to try to meet your expectations. Let me start by telling you what I think makes a good student in a Global Awareness classroom.

A good Global Awareness student is someone who...

• Is respectful to his or her peers, inside and outside of the classroom
• Is respectful of sensitive topics that we discuss in class
• Takes responsibility for his or her work and actions
• Has an open mind and can try to see things from someone else's perspective
• Take chances with his or her work...that leads to discovery!

What I'd like you to do is...

1. Comment on this post and tell me what you think makes a good teacher in a Global Awareness classroom.  What do you expect from me?  In any format you like (list, paragraph, etc.) please write 3-5 qualities of a good teacher.  Be sure to check your work before you post.  Remember, when we post on a blog, we are sharing our work with a large group of people.  Write something that you can be proud of.
2. Reply to at least one comment by your classmates.  Write why you agree or disagree, or compliment a good suggestion.  Remember, all writing should be checked for spelling and grammar before it is submitted!