Welcome to our blog!

I say "our" because each of you will contribute to the blog as a critical reader/responder, and as an author of your own posts. The instructions for each blog post task will be available here, so check in when you can.

But first, let me address some obvious questions:

1. "Why are we doing this, Ms. Draper?"

• Because you can contribute to the blog at 2:00am, or from your phone, or even if you're home sick if you're so inclined. The freedom!
• Because blogging might be more enjoyable than writing on lined paper in class, I hope. 
• Because in real-time class discussions some voices are not heard, but here on the blog it's really hard to interrupt people. Everyone has a space to say what they want.
• Because blogging and blog post analysis is another kind of literacy that, let's face it, is becoming really important since probably 95% of what you read comes from a screen.

2. "FREEDOM! Does that mean I can write whatever I want with no limitations???"

• Not quite, C-Dawg. You're being assessed based on your posts and comments, which will be seen by everyone in class and me. A good rule of thumb is if you don't want Mr. Bruce to read it, maybe don't post it. 
• Also, in most online situations you can write whatever you want with anonymity. For our purposes your username should be related to your actual name so we can identify you. Only users I've invited to the blog can post.

3. "But how are we getting marked...?"

• Each task will be accompanied with a set of general expectations depending on what I'm asking you to do. You can expect to write semi-regular posts of 150(ish) words, and you can expect to respond to the posts of your peers (at least ten of them). This blog is going to cover our exploration of our book club novel themes, but also our own reflections on identity and philosophy. 

4. "I can't log in. I don't have a google account. Why can't I post things?"

• I'm an English teacher and I studied Shakespeare in university. I'm not an expert on website maintenance, but we should be able to trouble-shoot any issues together in class on the days we have laptops. 

5. "Can I post to websites, add pictures, or videos?'

Yes. 

Have fun.

But not too much fun.