After reading through many of the blogs suggested in the course instructions, I can admit to just how wrong I was. The sheer number of blogs is staggering, but that just means I can find someone who has something to say that I need to read. The site that directed readers to the classroom design template caught my eye first. I've wanted to redesign my classroom for a long time, but have had a hard time visualizing how to use the little space I have. I also loved the observations about planting seeds of communication among students--that they shouldn't be centered on and dependent upon just the teacher (me) for important conversations and info in our learning community.
I think I'll gravitate to those blogs that share professional concerns about teaching English. To see how others handle common concerns in the wider world is a tremendous opportunity for conversation that would be otherwise impossible. It's so easy to get stuck in a rut when you see the same people all of the time. I also want to explore ways in which I can design lessons for my students--but in meaningful ways (not just for the sake of using the technology).
Over time, I'm sure that blogs about my hobbies and interests on a personal level will become just as important. My worry is that blogging could be a huge distraction (how much more fun to converse online than to grade that set of papers). As a rookie, it will take so much more time to figure out those that will really speak to me. Another worry is that no one will be interested in what I have to say (such pearls of wisdom). Is it another means for some to feel popular and others to feel unpopular. I'm not that concerned about responses for this class, but if I start blogging, I'll want to know that someone actually cares about my thoughts...back to that self-centered issue again!
Anywho, this is the time to learn. Ultimately, I'd rather be a part of the conversation than blissfully ignorant of the blogging world.
I have had those same thoughts Mimi. Who would want to read what I write? Tell you what, I'll read your blog. Will you read mine?
ReplyDeleteSue Foshag
Absolutely...but it looks like you've had plenty of feedback on your blog already. This is pretty exciting!
ReplyDeleteYou are spot on about the "popularity" thing. Many bloggers are very concerned about how many followers they have, and are really into self-promotion-- "Look what I've done! Aren't I wonderful!" OK, maybe not that obvious, but they're out there.
ReplyDeleteI had my doubts about who would ever read my blog, but I can show you the statistics that say hundreds or even thousands of people have visited my little ol' blog. Certainly not on a scale with a David Warlick, but enough to stroke my ego just a little bit, and to give me a sense of conversing with the whole world.