A look back at the first week of blogging.

        I was very unsure of how to set up and control my blog. After a week of experimenting and using Google extensively to find ways of doing things, I think I have a better grasp of how blogger.com works.
       The key to making changes with the software was getting familiar with the dashboard. I realized after a few days that I could add many gadgets to my blog. Each gadget has a different feature. Interestingly I noticed that you could use the layout feature on the dashboard to drag and drop gadgets wherever you wanted to have them ordered on your blog page. I added a blog archive and the RSS for my group members. Initially these were just added randomly and appeared at the top of page. I was able to then use the layout option to place theses gadgets exactly where I wanted them to be. My first page was just normal but I was able to go back and add a background picture.
       After the first week of creating and adjusting up my blog, I am more confident in the use of this online tool. I realize that it is just like any other new device, toy or game you use for the first time. After playing around a little bit, it becomes easier to navigate. Going forward over the next few weeks, I can now focus on other aspects of hardware and software applications and their relevance in the school systems.
        Research has indicated that there are many benefits of blogging. According to Said et al (2013) "Several studies concur that the use of a blog can positively enhance learning in the second language classroom and that blogs can improve writing skills." A second study that confirms this is as Sun (2010) says in his abstract, "The results of the study show that writing on blogs could enhance participants' overall writing performance, promote participants' autonomous monitoring of their own writing, and promote positive attitudes toward foreign-language writing."
        Lee (2011) states that,"Blogging also promotes learner autonomy and intercultural competence through study abroad." This study shows that through the use of well developed tasks from the instructor, American students studying abroad  used blogs effectively to hone their intercultural interactions and communication skills.
        There is no doubt that blogging serves many important roles in online education.



Lee, L. (2011). Blogging: Promoting Learner Autonomy and Intercultural Competence through Study Abroad. Language Learning & Technology, 15(3), 87-109.



Said, N., Melor, Y., Doring, L., Asmi, A., Aqilah, F., & Lisa Kwan Su, L. (2013). Blogging to enhance writing skills: A Survey of students' perception and attitude. Asian Social Science, 9(16),
95-101. doi:10.5539/ass.v9n16p95


Sun, Y. (2010). Extensive Writing in Foreign-Language Classrooms: A Blogging Approach. Innovations In Education And Teaching International, 47(3), 327-339. 

First Blog.

Having re-read the blog instructions I see that my blog should be public so I went back and changed the settings to public.

My First Post.

I am creating my first blog. I hope I am following the instructions correctly. It is a little confusing because the instructions in the text seems outdated because the website (Blogger.com) may have been updated. I am just exploring the various links and hope that what I am doing will work.

I have no way of checking if my RSS feed was done correctly. I have used the share option to invite my group members to access my posts. I also used the option under blog readers to add readers. There I entered the email of each my group member. Hope fully, I am not making matters worse. If one option does not work, then the other should.

One very simple fact I have discovered so far is that the symbol that I have overlooked for many years - RSS means really simple syndication. Now that I am aware of its purpose I will be using it more efficiently.

I look forward to get really comfortable with setting up other blogs and using the one I have created to engage in meaningful discussions in this class.