Blogs Are Spreading At DEPSA!!

Nice work class, you have a set an example for other classes to follow now we have two more 5th grade classes blogging. Look on the left side and you will find a "DEPSA Blogroll" that lists the links to the other classroom's blog websites. Or click on the links below


Ms. Harrison's 5th Grade Class
Check out a video on Ecosystems that she put up


Mrs. Anle's 5th Grade Class
Check out her games on fractions, a video on colonization, and a link to the camp we are going to.

Now don't forget to coment on their blogs too! But now we need to add "From Mr. Ambrose's class" so they know what class you are from.

About this Site

Our class has gone cutting edge and started a class blog. A blog, short for "web log", is an online journal or newsletter of thoughts and information chronologically published where the most current content is on top of the main page. Blogs are a part of the new social read/write web because they allow others to participate and comment on the content. (See also Defintion of a Blog and Why I Switched From a Class Website to a Blog)

My goals are to use blogs as a platform to responsibly teach, model, and give the students the opportunity to explore the new social web in a supervised and safe environment. Please make sure you and your child have read, discussed, and understands The Blogger's Contract. Secondly, I want to use blogs as way to improve the home-school connection. I also plan to use the blogs to put content and tools online that could assist students in studying for tests at home and on the web.

Our class blog will improve parent communication by keeping you updated on the latest news. Another great feature about blogs are they allow you to subscribe to them. You can subscribe by filling in your email address in the box in the right hand margin of this site. Then every time the blog is updated it comes to you through email, so you can stay current with class news and blog posts. (See also Email Subscription: The Simplest Way to Stay Updated)

One of things that make blogs most powerful is the ability to participate in a live conversations through comments. Please read How and Why to Comment on this Blog.

I am really excited about using this new technology to better connect parents, teachers, and the students in order to better prepare them with the skills they need to be competitive in the 21st century. (I recommend you watch Video: Did You Know 2.0 to see what this generation is about).

Please comment on this post below to give any general feedback, questions, or concerns that you have about this blog. Have fun.

The Blogger's Contract

I understand the power and responsibilities of publishing to a large global audience and participating in an educational dialogue online through blogs. There are some rules and codes of conduct to follow in order to keep our blog educational, fun, and safe.

Blog Rules

I will always write in a way that protects the identity of my classmates, my family, and myself.

I will always write in a way that brings respect and honor to my school, my family, and myself.

Blogger Code of Conduct

I will never use my name.
I will never give out my address.
I will never give out my email address.
I will never give out my phone number.

I will keep my writing educationally related.
I will be responsible for everything I publish; if I make a mistake I will fix it.
I will do my absolute best to write truthful and useful information.
I will not copy other people’s work.
I will never write to cause harm or to hurt the feelings of others.
I will set a good example for others.

Blogging Instructions

Remember all comments go straight to the blog administrator, your teacher, so there will be a delay in publishing your posts and comments. This is so that the teacher can screen all new content that is published to the blog.

Instead of using your name when writing posts or comments, use your first and last initials followed by the school year. Our class will know who we are, but strangers will not. (Example John Mike Smith would call himself JMS0708 )

When we sign into the blog to publish a post or comment, we will use the class email address. This is so we do not give our our personal information.
Our class email address is __________________
Our password is __________________

I have read, understood, and agree to follow the blogger's rules, code of conduct, and instructions.

Student Sign X____________________________
Parent Sign X____________________________
Date X ____________________________