Why Should I Blog?
In our school district, the current buzz is Web 2.0. Specifically, several colleagues have developed and are maintaining blogs. These blogs have different purposes and audiences. We have student blogs, blogs for book studies, and yet others geared for school-wide professional development. This is our group of adventurers.
However, we have others that aren’t quite ready. A few teachers wonder how blogging is relevant to their job. Several teachers wanted to blog, but a lack of knowledge over how to do it is a concern. Many have expressed concerns about time. Where would they find the time to read a blog? (Let alone comment or post.) A few of these people see blogging as a waste of time. Tony Karrar writes about Web 2.0 tools when he says:
Do people have enough time to use these tools? If so, does that mean that they are somehow not the people who are already “too busy” at their jobs? Are the only people who will use the tools exactly those people who the organization views as time wasters, tinkering about, etc.
So, if there are are roadblocks to blogging, should other teachers join the blogosphere? My answer, “Yes!” My reasons, see below.
Top Ten Reasons Why I Blog:
- A blog is a website that is so easy to manage, even I can publish it.
- Blogging enables me to learn skills many of my students use informally.
- Reading and writing blogs improves my communication skills.
- Being able to blog enhances my classroom instruction.
- A blog can be used as a tool to showcase other Web 2.0 features we can use to instruct.
- A blog can help me connect and learn with other educators.
- I can be sitting in my bed, in my jammies, and still collaborate with someone in Australia.
- Using a blog can save time by being a place to disseminate information.
- A blog gives me an opportunity to discuss and reflect on topics important to me.
- Most importantly, blogging is addictive and fun!
Why do you blog? Or, if you’re not blogging, which of these would make you consider blogging?
Artwork Thanks:
Hawkins, Jessica. ” Week in the Life: Monday Relaxation.” jessica.hawkins11’s photostream . 29 SEP 2008. Flickr. 21 Nov 2008 <http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmhawkins11/2899870367/>.
November 24th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Hi Terri,
All good reasons to be blogging! Another reason I blog is because it enables me to keep all my ’stuff’ (resources, contacts, lesson plans etc) in one place, where I (and my students) can find it.
I hoard books, folders and paper on my desk and can never find exactly what I need when I need it. I find it much easier on line when I can search by tags or categories, use Delicious (social bookmarking) and match text with images to help me remember.
I have also found blogging helps me to reflect on my teaching – I wouldn’t use a paper journal, but find a web log more convenient, instant and accessible from anywhere – home, school and elsewhere.
Happy blogging from Australia!
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