You may create your blog with any blog hosting site of your choice.
Below are some of the blogs you may consider.
To back up your blog at the end of the semester click here for instructions how to do so.
For free software download from Penn State go to https://downloads.its.psu.edu and on the Internet go2Web20.net
Pros: You already have your Penn State account to create a blog in Sites At Penn State. There is no need to register for another one. Sites At Penn State is powered by WordPress and BuddyPress. It not only provides a blog feature, you may also create your own Web site. Backing up your data in Sites At Penn State is easy too. You can back up your data by using the WordPress export feature.
Cons: Although it has more design selection than Penn State Blog, the choices are still limited. Expires after graduating from Penn State
Pros: You already have your Penn State account to create a blog, so no need to register for another one. Penn State blog not only provides a blog feature, you may also create your own Web site with the PSU Blog. Since all of your files and data are stored in your <www> folder in your Penn State account it is easy to use to create a professional portfolio, and easy to backup your files and transport them with you on a CD for offline viewing by employers. The files can be uploaded into other web editors since it these are html pages.
Cons: Limited design selection. Expires after graduating from Penn State
Learn how to create a Penn State Blog
How to use Penn State Blog to Create a Web site (example WebQuest)
Pros: Easy setup and use. Many design selections. Keep it as long as you want.
Cons: Can only backup text but not images. Limited file space (3GB).
How to backup WordPress.com blog
Pros: Easy setup and use. Integrate with your Google account. Keep it as long as you want.
Cons: Not easy to backup. Limited file space (1GB).
Compare WordPress and Blogger Pros and Cons
Create your blog with Blogger now
Pros: Easy setup and use. 100+ design selections. Easy to customize. Keep it as long as you want.
Cons:
1. Difficult to backup your data. 2.This website builder uses the most advanced HTML5, However, many older browsers such as Internet Explorer 6, 7 and 8 cannot display the smart-looking websites that have been built with Wix.
Pros: Easy setup and use. Many design selections. Easy to customize. Keep it as long as you want.
Cons: Difficult to backup your data.
1. Difficult to backup your data. 2. Not really meant for blogging. 3. You are limited to some features (see this article for more detail) 4. You can only have upto 10 pages with a Premium account (free account)
Other Blog hosting sites : Read the discussion about 10 best free blog hosting