create your blog

Right now you're probably using the internet to connect on social media platforms like FaceBook, YouTube, Instagram or Snapchat. If you've used the internet for school, you're probably operating in a "walled garden" like OneDrive on the school-issued tablets.  The problem with social media is that most of you haven't yet learned digital branding or security-- that's not your fault, but it can be your problem if you don't understand who owns or uses the content you create.  One problem with walled gardens is that you don't own your work, and no one outside the garden-- like employers, college admissions officers, and scholarship judges-- can see your work, any more than they can walk into your classroom and see how well you take a test or answer a question.

Spoiler: if you're not telling your own story online, you can bet that someone else is.  It's time to learn how to present yourself in the way you want to be seen, so that your work creates value and opportunities for you.  In the old days, you'd write an essay that one person would see, mark up, and return to you privately.  Now you can write online and get feedback that will actually help you, while your progress and your ideas impress everyone who sees it.

In this course you will create an online presence.  

See the Member Blogs page tab just below the title image?  That is where we will maintain a directory of everyone's blog. (You can get an idea from last year's classes here.)  If you're already familiar with social media and blogging, and you feeling comfortable diving in, go ahead and use Blogger, WordPress, Postach.io, Tumblr, or whatever platform you think will most effectively help you tell your learning story. 

This blog was created on Blogger, which I recommend because it's quick to set up, it works well with gmail and all things Google, and it's easy to customize.  Go to blogger dot com and get started in class today.  You can name your blog anything you like (I'm a fan of alliteration, e.g., "Isaiah's Ideas" or "Alicia's Academy") and you can change it later if you get a better idea.  For the URL, please use this formula: [first initial] [last name] [smhs] [21].  For example, Jayleen Chavez would use the URL jchavezsmhs21.blogspot.com (Blogger will fill in the last part automatically).

Once you have your blog set up, go to your blog online to double-check that the URL works and your blog is visible.  Then, please copy/paste your URL and email it to me at dpreston.learning@gmail.com.

If you're new to this, or you need help, or if any of this makes you nervous, let's talk.  We can do this in class during the first week of school, or if you don't want to live in suspense you can email me anytime at dpreston.learning@gmail.com.  Mahalo.