UChicago Class Blogs offer faculty and instructors a platform to assign write-to-learn exercises, group projects, and virtual exhibitions to students outside of the Canvas learning management system. Similar to self-service websites, Class Blogs is powered by WordPress.

Instructors can also integrate their class blog with their Canvas course site. The integration enables one-click access-provisioning for students, and a direct link to the blog from the course site.

Features

• Collaboration - Multiple students can publish content.
• Mobile ready - Create content from a computer, tablet, or phone.
• Cloud storage - No need to manage backups, all content is stored in the cloud.
• Plugins - Dozens of installed plugins extend the functionality and usefulness of the blog.
• Diversity of content - Upload and embed videos, photos, files, podcasts, and more types of content.
• Multiple privacy levels - Option to make blogs private to course participants only; open to the UChicago community; or public and open to the internet.

Designed For

Class Blogs can be used in lieu of the discussion board within Canvas or for more collaborative projects. Students take turns authoring short, personal reflective essays on a topic or theme related to the class and provide feedback to each other using the Comment section. Instructors can also use blogs as a way to collect creative assignments that use online tools, such as a podcast or a collaborative timeline project.

As a malleable tool, its functionality can be expanded further via tools called plugins. The blog setup can be aligned to teaching and learning goals, the type of exercise instructors are leading, and how they want students to interact with the material on the blog.

Eligibility

UChicago faculty and instructors can request class blogs.

Data Security

Access to Class Blogs is protected by CNetID and password. Typically, instructors will choose to only allow students in the class to view and contribute to the Class Blog. Alternately, instructors can make the Class Blog public, depending on the objectives of the course. When making the Class Blog public, instructors should let students know and get their approval before changing access permissions.

Pricing

This service is free.

Get Started

Faculty and instructors can request class blogs for their courses by filling out the Class Blog Request form. All class blogs are fully supported by Academic Technology Solutions staff. They can assist in setting up the site, enrolling students, and providing technical support and in-class training.

Get Help

Questions about the service, or want to discuss whether a class blog is suitable? Email academictech@uchicago.edu to set up a consultation meeting.

For additional resources, see Class Blogs Support.