Why Blog?

An intense, quick and complicated discussion ensued on the #edchat Twitter exchange about blogging in education.  So, I thought I would blog my own thoughts about blogging in education.

At first, it focused around educators reading others' blogs and writing their own blogs and the benefits of doing so.  Very early on, the main theme was "reflect, share, connect."  The conversation eventually led to student blogs.  While I personally think that the "reflect, share, connect" notion is the great motivator behind student blogs, there were thoughts that if blogs are a required assignment (much as writing journals), then the endeavor is not authentic, even though the audience is the whole world (if blogging is done in a public space).

One Tweeter commented that we write first for ourselves and then for others and if we reverse that process, it isn't authentic.  I somewhat disagree with that notion, since historically, written and oral communication was always a means for sharing with others.  However, I do understand the extremely personal nature of putting one's thoughts into words for all to see and hear.

Since blogs are largely opinion pieces, it is a personal writing endeavor.  This is why I have tried to convey to teachers that they should encourage students to hone their writing skills through blogging to a world-wide audience on a topic that they enjoy and know.  Authentic, while meaning real people reading, also means relevance to the child.  Want to grow a great writer?  Let them write about their interests, their passion, and mentor them in technical aspects of their word choices and writing structure.

Why Blog?  Because you have something to say that others need to hear.  If you made it this far, you've heard me.