Left aligning text

This fix was posted by one of my students:

So, there is no alignment button for your text within the blogger.com website editor. However we can get around this problem by using a few easy HTML codes. In order to add an HTML code to your text first just type in the text you want to post like normal. (The format that this defaults to is called Rich Text). Second you'll need to click on the blue Edit HTML link within the edit box. This will change the look of your text slightly within the edit box and may even add some code if you changed the color and so on. It's here where we can do a little editing. In order to left align your text just copy

at the very beginning of your text. That's it! Now your text should be left aligned when you hit save. For a few more common HTML codes that can be used the same way follow this link:

http://www.temple.edu/cs/web/codes.html

Editing your template

Although Blogger has a limited number of templates, you do have the ability to modify these. When you select a template you can choose a variation by clicking on the bubble or option in the sample. After you find one that you like, you can edit it further by going to the Layout tab and play with the colors and fonts, gadgets, etc. to make it more personalized. Some template have color combinations that make it hard to read the text. This is how you would correct that.

Promoting Global Learning Communities

Here's a site that was recommended during the GLC discussion.

1. http://www.glc.me.uk/247news

Children and young people around the world sharing responses to local, national and global issues.

2. http://www.esa.int/esaHS/SEMCHM0P0WF_index_0.html

Article on European students linking to the Space Station!

3. http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3&TopicRelationID=1785&ContentID=58983&Content=59741

This about an Ohio school Scroll down to the end of the page where it says Students connect with the International Space Station. If you read all the way through the article the sources / links are at the end. There are links to applications so that your school can try and be linked to the space station.

Sites of interest

There are many sites on the Internet that can help you with your blog. Some of these are for other blogging software and some are general tips:

1. 31 Days to building a better blog: http://www.problogger.net/31-days-to-building-a-better-blog

2. How to build a blog in 15 minutes: http://onsmalltalk.com/screencast-how-to-build-a-blog-in-15-minutes-with-seaside

3. Building a better blog: http://betterblog.ning.com/

4. The Cool Cat Teacher Blog: http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2006/02/how-to-set-up-classroom-blog-using.html

5. Blog Building Tips: http://blogbuildingtips.com

You can also type terms such as "Blog building" into the video search area of Google (see menu at top of Google pages) or into YouTube.

6. Links to other great educational links: http://etceteraward.blogspot.com/

7. For accessing large files: http://www.transferbigfiles.com/

Sometimes large files cannot be loaded to the course because the server cannot handle the size. Try uploading to this site and then post the link in the forum.

Sample posting

This is a sample posting for this blog. I am not going to put specific examples of posts here. Each of you are distinctly unique so I would like you to use your creative imaginations to find ways of using your blog to support your teaching. There are many examples on the Internet and you may also brainstorm with your classmates. Just remember that all blogs must be instructional, i.e., they must teach something not just provide information. Have fun!