Reboot Your Classroom Blog in 2016

This is the time of year in which we start to look at what we want to do differently in the new calendar year. For some of us that might mean getting back to the gym or committing to another new habit like updating a blog on a regular schedule. If you want to get your classroom blog going again or you want to start an entirely new classroom blog in 2016, my Classroom Blog Jumpstart course is for you.

Besides the nuts and bolts of how blogs work, this class will teach ways to use your classroom blog that many people overlook. You'll also learn my tricks for keeping a consistent blogging schedule.

In this three part event you will learn:

*How to use Blogger and WordPress. Dive into features many people overlook.
*Determine which blogging platform is best for you and your students.
*Learn valuable strategies for engaging students and parents through blogs and social media.

When?

This three week event is happening on January 11th, 18th, and 25th at 7pm Eastern Time.

***********All sessions are recorded.************

Cost:

I usually charge $97 for a course like this one. As a New Year’s promotion it costs only $75 if you register before January 6th. Use the discount code “NewYear” to receive the discount.

Click here to register today!

FAQs

1. Do I have to be there for the live webinar? 

While you'll get more out of attending the live sessions, you don't have to attend the live session. The live sessions are recorded for you to watch as many times as you like.

2. Can I get a certificate for PD hours/ license renewal hours?

Yes, but it is up to you to determine if your school/state/province will accept the hours for license renewal.

3. What do I need to participate?

A laptop/ desktop with an updated browser. Or you can use the GoToTraining mobile apps. 

Sometimes when I advertise one of these webinars I get messages from people who are upset that I am advertising it here and or that I am charging for it. I understand why some people feel that way. I thought long and hard about how to offer these opportunities. In fact, I thought about it and talked about it with trusted advisers for a year before offering the first webinar series last year. The purpose of this blog and my goal for years has always been to help people use free technology in their classrooms. The tools and strategies featured in my webinars and at the Practical Ed Tech Summer Camp are free to use. However, my time for teaching isn't free. Further, I pay licensing fees to GoToTraining and to Wistia for hosting all of the media content of the courses.

Move Your Body, Move Your Mind

Whether you're trying to come up with new lesson plan ideas or new blog post ideas, at some point we all feel our creative energy sag. One of the ways that I get my creative juices flowing again is to go for a long walk, a hike, a bike ride, or paddle down a river. I emphasize long because a quick 15 minute lunch time walk doesn't do it. I have to get outside for an extended time, at least an hour, to let my mind really wander. When my mind wanders it can come up with some interesting ideas.

You might be saying, "Richard, I hate running and biking." That's okay. The important thing is to get outside away from your desk and without your cell phone. If you feel you must take your cell phone for emergency purposes, do so but turn off the ringer and resist the temptation to check Facebook/ Instagram/ Twitter/ Email. Even just strolling around a park for an hour can do wonders for your mood and your creativity.

The next time you feel your creativity waning, try moving your body and you'll find you're mind moving too.

This is one of the methods that I've used for years to keep my blog posts flowing. I'll be sharing more ideas and methods like this one in Blogger Jumpstart later this week.