Student Blogging Guidelines

Publishing thoughts and ideas on the internet is a very public activity. Publishing as part of a blog is a classroom activity so you should not write anything that you would not say or write in your regular classroom.

Five Blogging Rules

Be safe

• Anyone can access the Internet and view what you write on a blog. Your page is ‘protected’ but there is nothing to stop people from copying your material and placing it elsewhere on the web.
• Protect your privacy. Use your given username and do not post pictures of yourself.
• Keep all personal information to yourself.

Be mindful of what you say

• You are responsible for anything that is posted in your username.
• Use appropriate language (e.g. limit your use of text speak or netlingo).
• Follow writing conventions including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Try not to generalize your sentences. Avoid the use of “All” and “Everyone”.
• How you say something is as important as what you say.
• Could you be misunderstood? Be clear in the message you are trying to convey.
• Images inserted into a blog must be related to the context of the message and follow copyright rules.

Be respectful to others

• Blogs are about ideas – agree or disagree with an idea, NOT the person. Freedom of speech does not give you the right to be rude.
• When responding, try giving two stars and a wish (two positive comments and one thing you think could improve).
• Use evidence to support your position and make sure what you write is fair and accurate.

Be informative

• Write about and present what you know. Make sure you get your facts straight and ask for advice if you are not sure.
• Linking to web sites from your blog or blog comments in support of your argument is an excellent idea. You are responsible for checking the accuracy of the information you post online.
• Respect copyright. It’s customary in the blogosphere to cite sources by linking to them within blog posts, and it’s recommended that you do so.

Be interesting

• One way to do this is to expand on others ideas. You can quote other people’s work, link back to it and add your own thoughts or opinions to their ideas.
• Make it interesting and fun so that you will encourage your readers and listeners to come back for more. There’s no point in blogging if people don’t read or listen to what you say.