I have used various blogs in order to stay in touch with friends across the country. We share updates about our lives, experiences (including photos), and comment on each other's stories. I find blogging interesting because it is like a public journal or diary--the writer is free to share advice, opinions, thoughts, etc. with his or her readers. The open-discussion format is also appealing; it allows the reader to have a "say" in the thoughts of the writer.
This is what makes blogging a good idea for teachers and pre-service teachers. The ability to post thoughts and experiences and allow other teachers and pre-service teachers to respond to your writing is very helpful. It allows us to bounce ideas off each other and give advice, tips, or criticism when appropriate. It also allows us to see what others experience in their schools and with students to see if we can apply their wisdom to our situations.
Because I have used blogs for years, I envision using a blog in much the same way as I have done before. If I have an experience that is noteworthy, if I need advice or suggestions, if I have developed an activity that is particularly successful with students, or any other worthwhile topic concerning educating students that would generate discussion, I feel this would be appropriate for a blog.
The possibilities for blog-writing can include the aforementioned ideas along with including pictures, personal experiences in the classroom, interactive activity ideas, technology questions and inquiries regarding other teachers' successful experiences, etc.
It is important to find others who may be able to share their experiences. Who better than other pre-service teachers and teachers? Blogs can be a wonderful way to communicate back and forth, ask questions and have questions answered, and show general support and encouragement for our efforts to teach students.
I think we have a lot of the same ideas about blogging, and we agree that it will be helpful for sharing our ideas for the next three years. I look forward to reading about your experiences and sharing mine. I think we can share advice and support each other during our time in the program.
ReplyDeleteHannah, you have generated good ideas on how you envision to utilize the blog. I agree that a blog gives you as a novice teacher a chance to bounce off ideas from each other, give advice, and share experiences. The blog then becomes a 'space' or a 'platform', where you invite others to share and comment on your experiences. It reduces feelings of 'isolation' that are common to teacher practitioners.
ReplyDeleteThink about using some of your blog postings as artifacts for your intern year exit portfolio. I also think that as you continue blogging, you will realize that the ideas and comments that you post are enmeshed with your philosophies, beliefs, or espoused platforms.