Bling for your Blog...(Enhancing your blog with other web resources)

Once you've mastered the basics of blogging it may be time to 'add on'. There are many ways that you can do this and it all depends on your likes and your needs. You may wish to use a web based photo album application in the sidebar to enhance the look of the pictures you post, or perhaps just add a calendar. These are usually referred to as 'Widgets' and are all embedded in you blog in much the same way. If you can cut and paste in a word processor, you can add a widget.

Once you find a widget you want to use there will be a portion of code you will need to select and copy. Highlight the code you require and right click. Select copy.







Now, navigate back to the Template tab of your blog.



Select the Page Elements link (if it isn't already opened).



What this image represents is the basic layout of your blog. If you select the 'Add a Page Element' at the right you will be presented with a pop up screen.



Select the Html/Java script option and another pop-up window will open.



Paste the code you copied into the lower window and add a clever title if you wish. Select save changes. You will be returned to the Page Elements screen. If you wish you can change the location of your newly added widget by click and dragging it the new spot.

Sometimes widgets don't always format correctly and may 'push' other elements in your blog around. The easy fix is to move them to another spot in your layout, but if you're willing to learn some code, ask any of your students if they know some html. They are just about the best resource you have, and it's a great way to involve them in your new blog. This is how I learned to add the stuff you see here.