Here are 3 blogging tools that can help with your assignment. Each require an account setup, but each are also free and will allow you to get writing with a minimum of fuss. If you're having difficulty with any of the below options, definitely try a Google Video search for the service you want to use and you should get plenty of help.
Alternatively, if you really don't like the idea of using an established blogging platform, you could probably just start a Google Doc, make the sharing settings as open as possible, and simply share your document with the class, professor, etc. It isn't really a "blog", per se, but it could work.
Medium
Medium is probably the simplest of the 3 tools here. You create an account, click on the account icon in the top right, start writing, and you can publish your story thereafter. You can highlight text to bring up a menu which will let you add links and such. Only downside: no real privacy settings, so everyone can read your stories. Click on the picture below to go to Medium.
Wix
Wix is a little more involved than medium, but still pretty learnable with 15 minutes of experimentation. You create an account, set up the look of your blog, play around with a few options, and you'll be ready to publish. Downsides: there is a slight learning curve and some of the more advanced features cost money, but for the purposes of your assignment you should be able to do everything you need with the free version. Click on the photo below to go to Wix.
Weebly
Weebly is most similar to Wix, but it operates a little differently and has a distinct user interface. A lot of small businesses use Weebly to build their websites, so you're getting a bit more of a "website" experience than a "blog experience". Like the other two services, you create an account, design the look of your site, and then you'll be ready to write and publish. Click on the picture below to go to Weebly.
You are welcome to contact us individually at:
Jaeda Calaway - Information Literacy Instructor and Student Research Support Specialist
217.245.3207
McKenna Jacquemet - Research Services and Information Literacy Librarian
217.245.3117
Bree Kirsch - Director of the Library
217.245.3573