Using Blogs and Wikis

Information Sheet and Parent Permission Form

Mr. Kabodian --- 7^th Grade English, MacDonald Middle School

2012-13

Dear Students and Parents,

            This year, each student in my 7^th grade English class will have many opportunities to share his or her ideas and develop his or her writing ‘voice.’  As we take those ideas through the writing process, it is important to me that each student’s final draft, their polished voice if you will, is seen and heard by as large an audience as is possible.  We have a chance to use a weblog, or blog as they are commonly called, and a class wiki this year.  These tools open up a student’s audience to the world wide web, which as we all know is a wonderfully rich, ever-expanding body of information that does not come with a ‘user’s manual.’  This letter explains a bit about what blogging and wikis are, as well as the responsibilities that go along with the privilege of entering into this world wide writing community. 

A Bit About Blogs and Wikis

            The blog we will be using is attached to my MacDonald Middle School website.  From time to time throughout the year, I will post questions on this Weblog page.  Students can comment on the question I have posed (you could comment also).  The comment comes to my email and I review it.  If it is appropriate, I approve it and post it.  If it is inappropriate, I will talk with the student, but not post it (I also screen all outside comments).  Students can comment on each other’s comments, thus starting a virtual conversation between students in all my classes.

            We will be using a wiki at pbworks.com (yes, it stands for peanut butter).   The actual web address is http://akabodian7.pbworks.com.  A wiki is a website that can be easily changed.  Whoever has a password can add pictures, more pages, and edit the text on the pages.  We’ll be using it to post final drafts of several pieces we write.  Other uses for it will be student-generated; we’ll look at some examples of wikis and think about how we might make the space ‘ours’ in a useful, productive way.  Students will need to use blogs and wikis in a safe, responsible manner --- exactly what I mean by that is explained on the Parent Permission form (below).  Please read it, have both the student and parent sign it, and bring it to Mr. Kabodian as soon as possible.

            Thank you for your time and cooperation,

            Aram Kabodian

Parent Permission Form

Before your son or daughter may start posting to the class blog , to their own wiki, or using epals, we are asking for you and your son or daughter to discuss and sign the following form.  Please sign and return this form to Mr. Kabodian.

Using Blogs and Wikis:  Terms and Conditions

1. Students using blogs and wikis are expected to act safely by keeping personal information out of their posts.  You agree to not post or give out your family name, password, user name, email address, home address, school name, city, country or other information that could help someone locate or contact you in person. You may share your interests, ideas, and preferences.

2. Students using blogs and wikis agree not to share their user name or password with anyone besides their teachers and parents.  You agree to never log in as another student.

3. Students using blogs and wikis are expected to treat blogspaces and wikispaces as classroom spaces. Speech that is inappropriate for class is not appropriate for your blog. While we encourage you to engage in debate and conversation with other bloggers, we also expect that you will conduct yourself in a manner reflective of a representative of this school.

4. Student blogs and wikis are to be a forum for student expression. However, they are first and foremost a tool for learning, and as such will sometimes be constrained by the various requirements and rules of classroom teachers. You are welcome to post on any school-appropriate subject.  Also, you expected to avoid the use of chat language, to try to spell correctly, and only give constructive criticism.

5. Students blogs and wikis are to be a vehicle for sharing student writing with real audiences.  Most visitors to your blog who leave comments will leave respectful, helpful messages. If you receive a comment that makes you feel uncomfortable or is not respectful, tell your teacher right away. Do not respond to the comment.

6. Students using blogs and wikis take good care of the computers by not downloading or installing any software without permission, and not clicking on ads or competitions.

7. Students who do not abide by these terms and conditions will incur any or all of the following consequences depending on severity and repetition:

·       warning

·       deletion of some or all of the post

·       temporary loss of blogging and wiki privileges

·       suspension

·       permanent loss of blogging privileges

I have read and understood these terms and conditions regarding blogs, wikis, and epals.  I agree to uphold them.

Student’s signature:_____________________________             date: ________________

Parent’s signature: _____________________________             date: ________________

                                    adapted from http://budtheteacher.com/wiki/index.php?title=Blogging_Parent_Letters