Techno Teacher

Have you ever wanted to add a little something extra to your blog? Maybe a clock, a count down calendar, or a spelling bee helper? Here is a step by step analysis of how to find and add gadgets to your classroom blog.

1.  Go to google.com and type in “Gadgets for a blog.”

2. You will see a list of many choices. Pick the one that says “10 Best Google Gadgets For Your Blog.”

3. When you click on this option it will take you to Quick Online Tips. It will show you the top ten choices of google gadgets.

4. It will also explain how to add google gadgets.

5. You can also type into google “Gadgets for an education blog.”

6. Many options will show up, but I would recommend picking Gadgets Dirctory.  It will provide even more available gadgets.

7. One that I found to be useful in a classroom was the spelling bee word game gadget.

8. Once you find the gadget you want, click the add to website button. The bottom screen will appear.

9. Click the Get the code button and follow the instructions given.

10. After you have copied the html address, find the layout tab on your blog. Then hit the add a gadget option.

11. Find the HTML/JavaScript option and click it. Paste in the html address of your gadget.

12. After you have pasted the address in, named it, and saved the data a box like the one below will appear. This means it has been posted to your blog and it will appear like the last picture in this post.

Adding gadgets is this simple! It does not take too long to put on your blog, the hard part is actually finding the gadgets you want to add…. and some may say that is actually the fun part. You may use gadgets in the classroom for many things. If you have a countdown calendar you may use it for a reminder for things that the class is looking forward to. You can you a spelling bee gadget to help your students with their spelling. You can post a gadget with links full of resources for your students to use if they need help. There are numerous ideas when using gadgets in  your classroom blog. Enjoy your gadgets and good luck!