Step 1:Set up your class blog

Step 1: Set up your class blog 
  The first step has two main aims. Firstly, you will learn more about what a blog is and why educators use blogs. Secondly, we will help you set up your class blog, customize your settings , and change your theme.
What is a blog?
One of the biggest challenges educators new to blogging face is understanding the basics of how a blog works. We have included explanations of key blogging vocabulary which will help as you work through this series including Footers, Headers, Menus, Pages, Posts, Comments, Sidebars, Theme, and Widgets.
Defining a blog, what is exactly a blog? is becoming harder to answer as the lines between blogs, websites and portfolios and other online spaces blur:
Blog  is dynamic community with feedback and interaction (comments, sharing, subscription and Rich Site Summary (RSS)).Typically journal-like.
Website  is static information with general term for online space — complex or simple.
Portfolio is scaffolding, showcasing or organization of student work. Typically is over period of time ( years ).
In my own words, a blog is simply a blank canvas that you can use in any way to meet your needs and the needs of your students and school community.A blog
Why educators use blogs?
The main reasons why educators use blogs include:

• To share information and class news with parents, family, and caregivers.
• To provide students with a way to access assignments, homework, resources, and information about their class online.
• For global collaboration and authentic audiences.
• To inspire and motivate students.

For blogging class the benefits include:

1. Having an authentic audience and covering new and traditional literacies.
2. Forming home-school connections and covering digital citizenship authentically.
3. Providing an online home for digital and analog creations, developing thinking and reflection.
4. Building a classroom community, developing essentials ICT skills.