Classroom III

Using Google Docs to Edit Edublogs.org

Setting up Google Docs

First, you must have an account on Google Docs to begin this process.

How do I sign up for Google Docs

To use Google Docs, you’ll need to create a Google Account. Note that while it’s possible to view a document, spreadsheet or presentation without a Google Account (via an invitation), you’ll need to create a Google Account to edit the document, spreadsheet or presentation and to continue accessing Google Docs. If you already have a Google Account, just go to the Google Docs home and sign in. http://documents.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=40599&topic=9378

How can I instruct Google Docs to publish my documents to my blog?

To specify your Edublogs settings, follow these instructions:

1. Click Settings in the upper right corner of your Docs list page.
2. In the Documents tab, select edit info in the Blog settings section.
3. Enter the requested information. The first items on the blog site settings screen: “Existing Blog Service”.

• Click the radio button beside My own server/custom.
• API: Select MetaWeblog API.
• URL: use your site’s URL and add /PATH/TO/xmlrpc.php Like this http://blakej.edublogs.org/PATH/TO/xmlrpc.php
• Existing Blog Settings are next. Enter your user name and password you use to edit your Edublogs with. Blog ID/Title can remain blank since it is optional. I have checked the option to include the document title when posting.
• Test time: Click the test button and allow time for the API to process the command. A message will appear if the settings work. If it does not work, you may have to do what I did- check the spelling of your site’s URL. The first time I tried, I omitted the letter j in my URL.

After the testing, you are ready to click the OK button and you will be able to publish your documents to the blog you selected. If you’d like to publish to a different Edublog in the future, simply re-enter your blog settings.