B-L-O-G

Why blog? 

Blogging is a special form of writing. Every writer must first consider their audience when they begin the process of expressing their thoughts on paper (or computer). A blog allows writers to publish their work for others to see, which is a significant difference between blogging and other forms of writing. Most forms of writing are one-way streets; newspapers, magazines, and books are published for an audience to interpret and make sense of what they've read. Blogs, on the other hand, can be shared by people all over the world, who are able to comment and interact with the author via the internet. 

Why use blogger?

Blogger, like many of the Google sites, is user-friendly.  Once signed into your Google account, you are able to access your documents, email, and blog all without memorizing new usernames and passwords.  The auto-save after editing is a must-have.  I can remember many times where I have typed up pages and pages of documents only to lose what had taken me hours to write.  There is nothing more frustrating! Being able to view the number of visits is a nice feature. Blogger keeps it simple- there aren't as many choices as other blogging sites (fonts, layouts, etc.) but it focuses on what is most important- the words the author is sharing.  

How is blogging used?

Blogging can best be used in my profession to interact with students (and parents) outside of school.   Sharing blogs allows for students to be learning 24/7, and creates opportunities for discussion, higher level thinking, and clarification when they leave the classroom.  Instead of having to cut lecture short when the bell rings, teachers are able to assign students to "blog" about it when they get home.  This gives them a chance to do more research and provides time for internalization.  

Blogging can also be used as a resource for other teachers.  My coworkers look up to me as a "tech guru", and are interested in what is happening in my classroom.  Providing a blog, where I put examples of tech tools and possible lesson plans, helps them to see what is out there and provides ideas for them to try. They can access the site at any time, any place, and be learning from me!  So far, this has been my only use of blogging. I, like most others, blog about what I am most passionate about. For me, this is teaching! 

UPDATE 3/10/15:

Perhaps I've missed what I would consider the most important reason to blog, and that is for PERSONAL GROWTH & REFLECTION.  There is nothing better than looking back at where you've come from and the new lessons you've learned along the way.  Keeping a blog allows us to reflect on our professional and personal growth.  I challenge all of you to begin blogging and start reaping the benefits!