Entry 3

I looked at 3 different Blogs before settling with Blogger. I chose this type of blog because I'm a pretty big fan of Google because it is so user friendly. Also, I love anything that is free :). While most Blog Platforms that I looked at are free, there are a few such as Typepad and Wix, that are either free for a limited amount of time, or have a monthly cost. I understand that usually if you are paying for a Blog it means you'll get additional features such as more bandwidth or themes, but to me, it is not worth it. 

Blogger does have less Themes than most (20-30 compared to 1000 for WordPress and Tumblr) but again, paying to get a pretty background is not worth it to me. User-friendliness is a huge deal to me. If a blog doesn't have an easy set up and if maintaining it is complicated, then I probably would not upkeep a blog. I feel like user-friendliness is especially important for teachers and their students. If a blog doesn't function well, then students will think it is a hassle to view. Typepad looked a little complicated for my taste.

I looked into WordPress and it looks like it is a top-notch blog. I believe it is Self-hosting which, to my understanding, means that you pretty much own your website and have full control over it. But self-hosting seems like a lot of work and seems like it requires skills in CSS & HTML which I don't really have.

Entry 2

Being a "safe" blogger requires following guidelines 

1-Be wary about what and how much personal and confidential information you put on your blog. Also, consider possibly using nicknames in place of yours or your families names if you are telling stories.https://www.getsafeonline.org/social-networking/blogging/

2-As with all social media be careful about what personal opinions you post as well as posting when in an emotional state. There is nothing worse than posting something in the moment that you will regret later.https://www.getsafeonline.org/social-networking/blogging/

3-Consider limiting your viewers and know which audience is viewing your blog. Many blogs have the option to have your blog be accessible to only those you choose. https://www.eff.org/wp/blog-safely

Entry 1

Today marks the first entry to my blog Thoughts Of An Aggie for my class ITLS 5205. I have explored a few educational blogs and have found quite a few interesting things! First, I should note, I have never thought of using Blogs for teachers and students and I have to say, I think it is absolutely brilliant. I’m amazed at what people can post on a blog. From short videos to audio links and even a short power point embedded in the blog! I was totally taken back by this one. http://planetzoe.edublogs.org/  In my exploration, I think that teachers have used blogs to enhance their teaching by giving them the ability to share ideas and teaching material with each other. This is my favorite blog that I cam across that had ideas on how to teach a particular grade: http://www.seomraranga.com/.

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember.

 Involve me and I learn."-Benjamin Franklin