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:

1. A blog is a website that is so easy to manage, even I can publish it.
2. Blogging enables me to learn skills many of my students use informally.
3. Reading and writing blogs improves my communication skills.
4. Being able to blog enhances my classroom instruction.
5. A blog can be used as a tool to showcase other Web 2.0 features we can use to instruct.
6. A blog can help me connect and learn with other educators.
7. I can be sitting in my bed, in my jammies, and still collaborate with someone in Australia.
8. Using a blog can save time by being a place to disseminate information.
9. A blog gives me an opportunity to discuss and reflect on topics important to me.
10. 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/>.

And I realized, the majority of my readers are probably just like me. We are the “newbies” in the world of blogging. Even a few weeks ago, I would get butterflies before leaving a comment. To be honest, I wasn’t even sure how.

Fortunately, I discovered how powerful the comment can be. Blogging is a collaborative effort. It isn’t just the blogger’s initial thoughts that are important, but how the blogosphere interacts with the content. This discourse is what makes a blog addictive to read and to follow.

Luckily, to comment, is pretty simple task.

At the bottom of a post, you’ll see a list of tags.

At the end, it may say something like: 1 Comment, 5 Comments, or maybe No Comments. Click where it says “Comments” . A screen will pop up that will ask you for your name and e-mail. Type those in and you’re ready to go!

Now that I’ve started to read and make comments on other blogs, I see there are others that are thinking about the same things I do. At Drape’s Takes, he calls to all of us to learn the art of blogging by immersion. We may be nervous and have butterflies in our bellies, but by jumping in, we’re on our way!

So, whether it’s on Thinkin’ Thoughts or another blog, please join a conversation and enjoy the commeradie that may emerge. Click the Comment!

For several months, I’ve stood on the edge of a giant pool of informational sharing…

Watching… waiting… wondering…

Who writes? Why do they write? How do they come up with what to write? And most important, who would want to listen to me!?!

Now, I’m good at thinking. I think thoughts all the time. What exactly is Web 2.0? How can I get my students to think more thoughts about what they are learning? If our district advocates a constructivist approach to learning, how can I enhance the rigor and authenticity of learning through technology?

Amazingly enough, as I peered into the blogosphere, I saw others with the same questions. There were teachers and students…family and friends…coworkers and neighbors… All thinkin’ the same thoughts. All sharing their nuggets of knowledge. But not me. I was still on the edge, holding on, scared of the leap into the unknown.

I needed a push. Mine came from my friend and collegue, Sean Nash. First came the nudge. The e-mail to all the instructional coaches in our district inviting everyone to visit my blog. This blog. The one that didn’t have a single post.

Next came the shove. An invitation to the same group to become a better blogger in 30 Days. This is based on a blog he reads (Oh, the webs we weave!). Now, in order to be a better blogger, I needed to be blogger in the first place!

So, Get Set…

I have officially hurtled myself off the precipice into an entire new world–swirling tummy and all.

Now, I officially invite all other nascent bloggers to join me. Take the step and write your first post. Join me as we discover what technology can do for us and for our students.

Artwork thanks:

Melancon, Adam. “Might as well jump…2bw” Adam Melancon’s Photostream. 07 August 2008. Flickr. 3 Nov 2008.http://www.flickr.com/photos/melancon/2742142387/

E’ole. “Splash” Eole’s photostream. 29 April 2007. Flickr. 3 Nov 2008.http://www.flickr.com/photos/eole/477332444/

Riverava. “Start1″ Riverava’s photostream. 7 Dec 2008. Flickr. 3 Nov 2008. http://www.flickr.com/photos/tiszaiva/2092349343/