Thing 2: What Makes A Good Blog

What makes a good blog?

• The aesthetic layout, ease of use and value added information found on the blog are the critical components of a good blog.  I like to follow blogs of people I know and respect.  This allows me to learn from others as well as pose questions in order to expand my own thinking.  Blogs allow us to open our professional network beyond the walls of where we are employed.  The broader the scope of networks leads to a greater diversity of perspectives and knowledge we can gain.  Blogs allow learning to happen anywhere, anytime, and everywhere. 

How could a blogs enhance your existing school web site?

• The goal of a blog is to inform and gain information.  What a great way to open up the communication between home - school - and communities.  Not only will others be able to obtain information from the school, they can also read the post of others throughout the community.  In an age of information, we need to do everything to ensure we are setting up ways for timely communication with all constituents of our districts and communities. 

 

Are blogs an easier way for people to self-publish?

• Blogs are a great way to self-publish.  The goal of a blog is to share information with others through a network of learners.  Whenever we share something and someone responds, it either adds to or challenges our own thinking, which leads to personal growth.  When people can share "in the moment" new learning or newly created materials, it allows the person to immediately share the information without losing the passion of sharing due to the rigidness of a pre-determined publishing timeline.  I think that self-publishing through web 2.0 tools will allow other voices to he heard and more personal learning networks to be viewed as viable professional and personal learning oppotunities.