Blog Evaluation Categories Fall 2012

1. Language

- transition into using more Japanese, use Japanese as much as possible

- use the grammar structure and vocabulary we learned

- try not to rely on Google translator because it is often very inaccurate

- grammatically correct, with correct punctuation

- clear language and proper spelling

- try to maintain a natural tone

2. Content

- an interesting topic or theme, some sort of continuity in the theme/ topic of the blog

- include current events or authenticity

- topics that somehow relate to Japanese, your personal experience learning Japanese, topic should be related to Japanese culture to raise people’s common interests

- various/ diverse subjects and topics that lead to good discussions

- clarity, simple and easy to understand, should be coherent, not too abstract

- be honest, show sincerity and originality

- interesting to reader and writer, appropriate/ polite content, include topics that touch on life lessons or address universal values

- something that motivates you to keep writing the blog

3. Layout

- easy on the eye

- utilizes external resources, including pictures, videos, links, and recordings

- user- friendly, easy to navigate

- visually attractive (eg: stylish layout, effective usage of colors)

- clear font, clear to follow

- liberal use of space, don’t squeeze sentences into one paragraph

- attract both new and returning users

- family- friendly

4. Communication

- respond to comment, interacting with other blogs (eg. commenting on classmates’ blogs and other blogs outside of class)

- comments should be answered if they include questions, comments should be meaningful

- English translation when relevant

- communicate and articulate in a conductive way

- keep the flow of the dialogue natural so it is easy for the readers to read, consistent tone/ subject

- attempt to interact with readers to create a sense of community

5. Consideration

- be sincere, no offensive words or posts but have an opinion, keep in mind what others could be offended by, know your audience

- aware of the language level of one’s readers, try to post at the class’ level so we can all read the posts

- should respect others’ blogs, consideration of other’s opinions, try not to be politically incorrect or overly- opinionated

- don’t include too many details about your private life that would offend the readers

- consider the purpose of doing this blog, question why we are doing this blog

6. Frequency

- update regularly, frequently updated (at least once a week), avoid posting too much entries at once that has no content, no Spam

7. Others

- Paragraphs should not be so long that the blog becomes difficult to read

- humor and wit

- make an effort on your blog

- try to make the most out of this blog experience and learn

- HAVE FUN!