CHS Blogging Policy
Welcome to the A.P. Blog space at Coventry High School. Please read through this general set of guidelines before editing and posting to our blog.
The goals of this blog are outlined on the homepage but all visitors should recognize that this virtual space is an extension of the classroom. All Coventry High School rules of etiquette and interaction apply. Please be aware that all contributors to this blog must be invited members and all comments and posts are monitored and archived. These guidelines do not cover every contingency. If you are ever in doubt about the appropriateness of an item - ask a parent or your AP teacher.
Safe and Responsible Blog Use
The most basic guideline to remember when using this blog is that it is an extension of your classroom. You should not write anything on a blog or discussion forum that you would not say or write in your classroom. Use common sense, but if you are ever in doubt ask a teacher or parent whether or not what you are considering posting is appropriate. If you are going to err, err on the safe side. Here are some specific items to consider:
1. The use of this blog is considered an extension of your classroom. Therefore, any speech that is considered inappropriate in the classroom is inappropriate on this virtual space. It includes, but is not limited to, profanity; racist, sexist or discriminatory remarks; personal attacks. No flaming.
2. This blog is to be used as a learning tool and a resource for project collaboration. Please post ideas, links and comments that are relevant to the project. All changes to the blog are monitored and archived. Do not maliciously remove or reformat content posted by others.
3. Blogs are public. Whatever you post on a blog can be read by anyone and everyone on the Internet. Even if you delete a post or comment, it has often already been archived elsewhere on the web. Do not post anything that you wouldn’t want your parents, your best friend, your worst enemy, or a future employer to read.
4. Post safely. Your log in name should be your first name and only an first initial of your last name (EddyH) NEVER post personal information on the web (including, but not limited to, last names, personal details including address or phone numbers, or photographs). (Note: The advice to not use your last name is for your protection. Teachers may choose to use their last names for their posts/comments.) Do not, under any circumstances, agree to meet someone you have met over the Internet.
5. Linking to other web sites in support of your argument is an excellent idea. But never link to something without considering the source of the content. Ask yourself if the site is appropriate for a school setting.
6. Use of quotations is acceptable just be sure to follow the proper formatting and cite the source of the quote.
7. Pictures may be inserted into a blog. Make sure that the image is appropriate for use in a school document and copyright laws are followed. Do not post any images that can identify yourself or others.
Lastly show your best work. Posts and additions should be professional – consider these guidelines:
1. Posts and comments are responsive. They respond to other people’s ideas – whether it is a post by a teacher or a comment by a fellow student. The power of this blog is community. Participate in this learning community.
2. Posts are well written. This includes not only good content, but-because these are school related interactions-also follows writing conventions including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
3. Posts are respectful of others. It’s okay to disagree; it’s not okay to be disagreeable. Be respectful of others and their opinions, and be civil when you disagree.
This policy was adapted from Arapahoe High School’s Blogging Policy in Centennial, Colorado.
