Have you ever wanted to tell someone, anyone, all of the great ideas that you have? Or maybe, you are struggling with something–whether it is a tough concept you heard about or something occurring in your life right now–and you want to just shout your frustrations to the world?
I have been studying the uses and purposes of educational technology, but after reading a few of Will Richardson’s blogs, I have been thinking a lot about blogging in particular as a way for not only students, but educators and people in general to wrestle with their ideas and the ideas of others.
Even as a 21-year-old who has grown up using the internet, I still think it’s crazy that I am writing this post for an infinite audience; yes, probably the only people reading this at the moment are my classmates, but regardless, this post is open to the world. I am writing to a much larger (possible) audience than ever before. And that changes things.
I am much more aware that my writing needs to not only be “informative” and “correct” (as I am used to focusing on in school), but it also needs to be engaging and clearly written to attract and sustain viewers. I also feel more comfortable trying things out or writing about something that I am not sure about because of this different and wider audience. Those reading the blog probably don’t know me (the blogger) on a personal level, so although they may make judgments, my everyday relationships are not directly affected.
The last component of a blog that I find really useful is its length and level of focus. No essay is necessary here; just a few paragraphs are needed until you have worked through your ideas. The topic is also focused; I don’t have to take on everything at once.
So for those of you who have all sorts of ideas but don’t have the time or confidence to express them elsewhere, I suggest writing a blog, or at least reading other blogs. Typically, they are as they should be: short and sweet.
Since this is my very first blog, I am obviously not an expert, but if you are interested in starting a blog, these seem to be the best free blogging sites that I have come across so far:
- WordPress
- Blogger
- Posterous (recently bought by Twitter)
- Tumblr
- Livejournal
Happy Blogging!
Kate'sFirstBlogAttempt 
I agree with you. It is a little daunting to know how many people could possibly be looking at the things that you are saying. You certainly have a sense of audience when you are writing on a blog., even if that sense is not the who but the how many. That seems like one of the greatest strengths to using the blog for students, however; their writing is no longer just a conversation between the teacher and themselves, it is open to participation for the entire class and beyond. Hopefully, that will give them a greater sense of ownership over their words and will translate to more thoughtful posts.
Tim, that’s a great point. Students are always complaining (for good reason) that their work isn’t “real” or realistic. I would definitely support anything that caused them to become more invested and thoughtful about their writing!
LOVE! Great post that will serve as a model for your students some day. You certainly practice what you preach here. Nicely done!
Thank you 🙂
I really liked all your phrasing here, it was intelligent but witty, and kept me wanting to read more! Great use of links, too. You already seem to be getting the hang of it, keep it up girl!!
Thanks, Sara! I thought the same of yours!
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