Learning to Blog: A New Form of Knowledge
Before being introduced to blogging especially for teachers I never put much thought into it. I feel that blogging for teachers is an important aspect for not only new and learning teachers but for seasoned teachers as well. Sharing new information and knowledge on different activities and strategies can be useful for all at any stage of their teaching careers.
After reading several articles, I have been able to create a better understanding and viewpoint on blogging as a teacher as well as a student. In George Couros’ article “4 Reasons People Don’t Blog and Ideas to Help Change Their Mind” he discusses the importance of blogging as well as provides a solution and reason to why blogging is useful while examining the excuses made about why people do not blog. Couros describes four reasons why people do not blog, facing these opposing arguments head on. Couros disproves them instantly with his knowledge on blogging and how it should be utilized among teachers all over the world. Some of his main points revolve around the idea that blogging is an important tool that we have access to allowing individuals to connect to one another while also sharing ideas and knowledge about the teaching lifestyle to help not only better the individual's classroom and activities but also encourage others to better themselves and their schools and students. In another article that I read “3 Reasons to Start a Teacher Blog Today” written by Bethany Petty explores what advantages blogging can have in the classroom and an individual’s career. Stating her three main reasons being: sharing is caring, reflection leads to growth, and connections are key. Focusing on Petty’s second reason of reflecting leads to growth, I feel strongly that this is true and a crucial part of being a teacher. Writing about lessons and activities done in the classroom allows you the opportunity to look back at what you did, how it went, what needs more work either with your lesson or for the students' skills. Laying everything out provides you with insight on how effective the practices and lessons are going within the classroom as well as gives you as the teacher an outlet to share what is happening in the classroom and your experiences. Petty continues to acknowledge that this use of blogging encourages her and can encourage others to strive for something better, dedicating themselves to being a lifelong learner. Jeffery E. Frieden’s article “Why More Teachers Should (Re)Start Blogging” examines how blogging can be viewed as something that is rewarding rather than a task or a chore. While reading this article certain aspects in which he refers to as treasures in blogging that stood out to me included how blogging shows that you care, it shows that you care about your students, your career and that you are devoted to growing as a learner to better yourself and your classroom and school. It also shows that you along with everyone else that you are a work in progress. Blogging is like journaling all of your experiences good or bad and being able to reflect back to see how far you have come. Blogging also opens many doors for finding others that have the same teaching philosophies as you as well as connects you with others to expand your mindset and ideas for activities and lessons.
Comments
Post a Comment