Category

11-12

8-10

5-7

0-4

Appearance and Content
Of Blog

The blog has an aesthetically pleasing and usable layout. All required elements are easy to locate (blog title; all 5 pages including all "Guardians" content; responses to readings/class discussions and classmates’ blogs; and 15 or more linked sites. White space, graphic elements and/or alignment are used effectively to organize material.

The blog has an attractive and usable layout. It is easy to locate all required elements (blog title; blog pages; responses to readings/class discussions and classmates’ blogs; and less than 15 linked sites).

The blog has a usable layout, but may appear busy or mundane. It is difficult to locate some of the  required elements.

The blog pages are cluttered or confusing. Many required elements are missing.

About Me

Page

Includes more than 3 illustrations, photographs or artistic impressions of you. The page is aesthetically appealing. Includes at least 4 carefully-crafted descriptions along with well-written explanations under each category: WHAT I LIKE, WHAT I DISLIKE, HOW I ACT, HOW I LOOK and WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ME. Includes at least one simile.

Includes partial information with only a few descriptions and a few explanations.

Blog Entries

(Including Pages and Posts)

Extremely thorough. It is clear that readings and class discussions are understood and incorporated into responses. Opinions are fully supported. Response is deep and broad; it may lead to more questions or discussion. A paragraph or more is given as a  response. Sophisticated writing. Meets or exceeds required # of postings and pages. Entries always posted on time.

It is clear that readings and class discussions are understood and incorporated into responses. Makes subtle connections. Well-supported by arguments; however, novel thinking may be displayed. Goes beyond what is obvious or what was explicitly taught. Meets required # of postings and pages. Entries consistently posted on time.

An account that relates some depth and personal ideas. There is supported theory, but insufficient or inadequate evidence or argument is given. Does not meet required # of postings and/or pages. Entries usually posted on time.

An incomplete account but with apt ideas. Sweeping generalizations are made that are not supported. Limited evidence or support from readings and class discussions. Less than 3 sentences or written in incomplete sentences. Does not meet required # of pages and/or postings. Entries rarely posted on time.

Making
Connections

Within the postings, several direct connections are made between the  learning experience and class readings. There is  also attention to connections with personal experience and class discussions. These connections serve as evidence to support arguments and themes.

Within the postings there are several connections made to personal experiences or ideas from class discussions.

Within the postings there are limited connections made to personal experiences or ideas from class discussions.

There is a lack of connections evident within the postings.

Comments to
Others

Gives original relevant feedback to classmates' (memebers of writing cirlce) blogs. Offers both original opinions of the posted topic and constructive review.

Gives feedback on several classmates’ blogs. Offers some opinions and/or constructive review.

Provides feedback on only one classmate’s blog. Shows little thoughtfulness.

Gave no feedback responses to classmates' blogs.