Connect with Blogging

Sound Editing with Audacity

Blogging is a way of expressing yourself publicly on the web. Many bloggers use written words to express their thoughts or write about their interests. Others choose to use photos, video or audio files to express themselves.

We had fun experimenting with a program called Audacity today. It is a free program available for PC and MAC, that you could install on your home computer if you want to work more with sound.

Everyone created sound files, then copied/pasted, deleted dead air, and experimented with other effects.

Check out the following blog posts by listening:

• Rodmanfishing11
  
• HammyPal
• Sweet Cat
• Stormy

Writing and Commenting on Blogs

You have had the opportunity to play with your blog for a few weeks now. We have changed the template, added links to your blogroll, posted a blog post, left a comment for another tech club member and even inserted an image you created on one of the image generators.

NOW it is time to show the world what YOUR blog is really about.

Today you will edit your “ABOUT” page and you will read and comment on our blog pals from Singapore or Bangkok.

Can’t wait to hear (read) more from you.

Remember to keep the following in mind when writing and commenting on other blogs:

1. Don’t be random. Read the blog post, answer a question that might have been addressed, continue the conversation.
2. Respect someone else’s point of view.
3. Don’t say anything, you would not say to their face.
4. Write something that contributes to something larger. “Hi” or “Waz up” does not.

Mrs. T.

Image Generators

Want to add some pizazz to your blog? Show off some images to make your posts more interesting?

Let’s use some image generators. They are an easy way to add text to an image or create funny effects. Explore some of the links below and then insert them into your blog. Can’t wait to see what all of you come up with.

Remember!

• Do not create or upload an image of yourself to your blog. Use an avatar instead.
• Create appropriate new images that you can be proud of
• All of these image generators are free for you to use. There will be advertisement on these pages. Learn to ignore them. DON’T click on any of them, no matter how appealing they seem or how much they say “Click me, Click me!”

Image Generators to explore:

1. GlassGiant.com
   Make fun and customized images
   Generators for scoreboards, chocolate bars, snow globes, chalkboard, keyboard, cereals, many more…
   
2. Redkid.net
   Generates Alphabet Soup, Fortune Cookies, iPod playlist and bulletin boards, I heart T-shirt, Trophy engraving, and more…

   

3. Scrolling Typwriter
   Create an animated image with your text.

   

Online Safety

This is a cross post to one on TechConnect. Since your online safety is so very important, I am posting it on our TechClub blog as well.

There is a BIG online world out there! You get to be part of it via the computer, a cell phone, AIM, an Xbox, Wii, or on Social networking places like Webkinz, Build-a-Bear or Club Penguin. The online world gives us an incredible opportunity to search for information, entertain us, communicate with others, connect with people from other countries and cultures.Where ever you are or however you choose to connect to these places, you always have to play smart and keep yourself and your friends SAFE.

Here are a few guidelines that you need to keep in mind. If ever in doubt, ALWAYS ask your parent, teacher or other trusted adult how you should handle the situation.

• Never publish online the following information:
  • Address
  • Last Name
  • Password
  • Phone Number
  • E-mail address
  • Detailed physical description
  • Detailed location where you can be found on a given day and time
  • Photos of yourself
• Never share your user name or password with anyone besides your teachers and parents. Never log in as someone else.
• Think before you post: Make sure what you write is appropriate to put online.
• Always tell the truth on your posts and comments.
• Be cautious about email messages from anyone, asking you for detailed personal information or attempting to arrange secret meetings. Talk with your teacher and parents immediately if this kind of situation arises.
• Online work is NOT private. Never say anything via email, chat, blogs, or on wikis that you wouldn’t mind seeing on the school bulletin board, or in the local newspaper. Make sure you can be proud of your online work and it would not embarrass you if your grandmother or teachers read it.
• Capital letters are regarded as “SHOUTING.” Don’t be offensive, and don’t ever use bad language.
• Never use a computer to harm other people. Never snoop around in other people’s files. Never use a computer to steal.

These “Rules of Netiquette” were adapted from Grade 3 Blog Pals who in turn adapted from the following publication: John, El Paso, TX Internet Driver’s License: Internet Guide and Workbook,Classroom Connect: Lancaster, 1997.

Off to a Great Start

All of our individual blogs are set up and running. We had a small group during TechClub last week, due to the fact that all of our fifth graders were on their field trip to Washington D.C., our nation’s capital. They are all back safely now and ready to customize and start writing their blogs.

We have also teamed up with some great bloggers from Singapore. You can go and read their blog posts at BlogPals in Singapore. We will start commenting on their blogs during our next TechClub time together.

Can you already locate Singapore on a map?

Welcome to TechClub

Today is our first day of blogging. Everybody is customizing their own blogs.