December 3

Creative Commons

On Friday, our class had a really great conversation about how to gather images that we want to use for projects, blogs, etc. in a manner that is responsible and fair. When the class was asked how they typically gathered images from the internet, the overwhelming response was “Google Images”. BUT….the question is: do you have permission from the owner of the image to use it? Unfortunately, you don’t.

So…where to go to find pictures you are ALLOWED to use? A great website I like to use all the time is called www.compfight.com. This website uses Flickr’s API to search the database of photos and then feeds back the results as live clickable thumbnails. When you visit the website, you first need to type in a word you’d like to search. For example, if I’m looking for an image that is school-related, I could type in ‘school’.

To be sure that the photos you want are from people who WANT you to use their photos, you MUST have selected Creative Commons on the left side of the screen. See below.

 

Next, click on a photo that appeals to you.You will be taken to the author’s page of that particular photo you liked.

Creative Commons is worth knowing about! Check out the youtube videos below that help to explain exactly what it is and why it is sooooo powerful!

 

October 20

Characteristics of a Good Blog Post Comment

 

Haven’t you ever read a comment on something you had worked on, but it didn’t really help you know what the person liked or didn’t like? Writing things like, “COOL!” or “Nice” don’t really help you know what the person is really thinking.

So, I thought I’d share with you what another blogging teacher had already written. Mrs. Yollis posted about this very topic and you can click here to read her reminders about what makes a good comment. Her students also have a few videos that you can watch as well. I’ve included one below.

Here is what we talked about in class today:

 

How do you make a really good juicy comment? This list will remind us what makes a comment worth leaving behind.

Let us know if you think we should add any more by commenting on this post.

Characteristics of a good blog post comment:

1.  Be constructive, but not hurtful
2.  Think about the author and their purpose for their post before leaving a comment
3.  Comments are always related to the content of the post
4.  You can make personal connections to what the author wrote
5.  Answer a question, or add meaningful information to the content topic
6.  It follows the writing process – it’s like a mini piece of writing.
7.  Use a comment sandwich: start with a positive, add  constructive feedback, then finish with a positive.
8.  Make your comment sandwich thick and tasty! Lots of meaningful, meaty thoughts that relate directly the content of the post to keep the blogger satisfied!

9.  Always remember to include your own blog address in the comment so others can visit your blog, too!