Blog on Brother Blog on ! Thing #4

A little evangelism in moderate doses can be a good thing. I think that is probably the thing that draws me irresistibly to blogs. It’s difficult to be half hearted in blogging. Blogging isn't something that will give you a herniated disc, but it does take a little effort. For the most part people who blog are passionate about their subjects. I guess that’s a good thing in the end. Think about it, who wants to read a blog entitled, "technology in the classroom,I can take it or leave it", or "My mildly entertaining experience with moodles"? If you're surfing the web you want something thats going to grab your attention, something that makes you want to respond. Dan Myers blog "Why I don't assign homework" is an excellent example of this. I can think of several math teachers who would go ballistic over this entry. As I read the entry I could se myself patting a certain algebra II instructor on the back and assuring her that they were only words. I was very impressed with Mr. Myers ability to both stick to his guns and make modifications to his positions when necessary. His ability to admit weaknesses in his own position and strengths in those who disagree with him gives his site a rational nature. That isn't a common trait among bloggers that I generally read. It makes me hopeful that reason can be found on the web as well as in face to face encounters.

The Eagles Nest blog was something that I would hope my daughter would be able to participate in her 4th grades classes. The students in Ms. Edmondson's class are able to create fairly complex questions concerning the writing process and creativity in general. It is fairly sophisticated work for third grade students. It gives an indication of the productivity teachers can find in their students if they are given opportunities to express themselves in a forum like this. The teacher’s response to a reader question about process is also helpful in that it points out to instructors that there is a structured process that needs to take place, you can't simply turn on the computers and let them surf. SP8-17 Math Blog is another example of student produced blogs with an entirely different purpose, scribing notes for review of material. Note taking can be problematic for students of all ages. Often teachers are resigned to handing out fill in the blank sheets so students don't miss content. What a great way to motivate students to take good notes, the student with the best notes is selected to be the scribe for the day.


Mark's edtech blog "Is this SSR 2.0" is a great example of how we can use blogging to facilitate improvement in instruction. Mark's initial entry in and of itself would traditionally be seen in an education magazine. After publishing the article readers who agree or disagree might be moved to send in a letter to the editor, but it typically ends beyond that. The wonderful thing about blogging is that it starts conversations. One of the important conversations we need to continue to have in education is how do we use technology without being abused by it? Cool Cat Teacher covers this well and asks some uncomfortable questions. How do we make schools secure without trampling on individual rights? How do we harness the power of technology without leaving ourselves open to being spied on by the students we serve? In a technological age is it wise to try? My new iphone takes great video, is it better to have them out where you can see them and attempt to moderate the process, or attempt to ban them and leave yourself open to surreptitious taping. It’s a great conversation to have with your class, your peers and your administrators. The nice thing about blogs is that as long as the post stays open, the conversation continues.