I am very new to the blogging era; however, I am very excited about starting my own blog. Blogging can be a great tool for educators. One thing that I learned in my undergrad is to keep in contact with other educators and "steal" ideas that work from others. Blogging will be a great outlet for discussing, sharing, and seeking ideas from other educators who have faced, or are facing, the same kinds of issues.
I also believe in the "power in numbers," and I truly think that blogging is a way to spread information, ideas, and actions for education in general. For so long, we have listened to outsiders come in to our schools, and tell us how to run them. Sometimes we have our opinions about certain things, but not enough people to back us when we take a stand. If people follow your blog, and you follow others, you can build relationships with people who have the same goals. (We know we need people in our corners) Blogging can allow everyone to share their opinions, and reflect on what we are doing to help children be successful individuals, which is our main goal as educators.
The principal at my current school has mentioned to me that he wants to set up a "Principal's Blog," so that he can communicate with parents. At the high school, where parent involvement drops tremendously, I think the blog might be a great tool for some parents to stay in contact with the school. They can talk about the good things going on, reflect on the concerns they may have, and ultimately give the principal a better understanding of the community climate.
That was exactly my point, "power in numbers." Blogs are a place of community. The marketplace of ideas is the best way to go to solve the problems that we all share as educators.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a principal's blog for parents too, but I go back and fourth as to whether or not it would reach many of the parents at my school. Our school is over 80% free and reduced lunch, and many of our parents are not literate in English, let alone spend much time reading blogs online. Though I guess every parent you can bring in is a win.
ReplyDeleteThank you Chris, and Louis... I do understand where you are coming from with some of the parents. We have quite a few parents who would not get information from a blog, but yes, any parent we can get will be a win. Technology is great when everyone can use it. If we can create numerous avenues of communication hopefully we can reach most of the people on at least one of them.
ReplyDeleteI was hoping to also use a blog as a classroom teacher for parents to stay involved or maybe to get involved. I think it is important for the principal to be leading in this area of technology and communication. Maybe many of his teachers will follow his example.
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