I have a few favorite blogs that I read each day. I look forward to their updates. They have become a part of my daily routine, and I must say they have improved my life as an educator, a speaker, a father, a husband, and as a man in general. Blogs matter.
A few years ago, I decided to start blogging myself. I like to write and decided I would start a blog of my own, and Wired Educator was born. I have met many interesting and creative educators, and I have learned so much. Just like teaching, you learn so much when you sit down and blog. Not only has it been a great learning experience and a way to meet incredible educators, it has opened many doors for me as well, and provided me with enriching life experiences. Truly, blogging has impacted my life significantly.
I firmly believe every teacher should blog.
Seven Reasons Why I want Every Teacher to Blog:
1) Practice What You Teach: You want your students to create and publish their work and keep a well-stocked ePortfolio. You want them to do use technology in a meaningful way with an authentic audience? Well, your blog is just that. Your students will check out your work and you both benefit.
2) Archive Your Best Work: Don’t just tell them about the awesome project so-in-so did last year, show them. Record your accomplishments and setbacks. Make your blog a professional filing cabinet of what you do. Let others see it, comment, enhance, and borrow. Teaching is about collaboration.
3) Enhance Your Ability to Communicate: You might be saying, “I can’t write!” Yes, you can. Follow a few blogs you like. Imitate, then enhance, and finally create your own unique voice. Besides, who says it has to be writing. Tell a story through photos, videos, student projects, or other mediums. You can do it.
4) Expand Your Classroom: You have much to offer! Your words, lessons, insights, and discoveries will be available to anyone, anywhere, at anytime. Your students, parents, colleagues, future educators, and strange little men in North Korea will all be able to benefit from your blogs. Your area of influence just grew. I have received emails from around the world of encouragement and innovative ideas. You will too.
5) Door of Opportunity: Blogging opens a door of opportunity for you, your students, and your classroom. Teachers love free stuff for their classrooms, students, and themselves. You might be surprised who will contact you or allow you to try out software, hardware, or make a contribution due to the success of your blog. You might be invited to travel and give a presentation. Your student may receive an award. Perhaps you or your school will be recognized for your work.
6) Control Your Digital Footprint: What happens when you Google your name, the subject, Blogging is one of the best ways to get noticed by search engines. Tag your blog with your name, the subject you teach, and the contents you are focused on mastering. Soon search engines will associate your name with what you write about. When someone does a search for you they see what you are accomplishing as an educator. Blogging becomes the best resume’ in the world. Show your students, parents, administrators, colleagues, and future employers just what you accomplish in a year.
7) You Learn: You will learn so much from blogging.
Did I mention it’s fun?
I really want you to blog. In my next post I will be reviewing the ultimate blogging tool— MarsEdit. I believe it is the perfect blogging tool for educators. Find out why! Subscribe to this blog and the next post will be delivered to you.
“lorrain croy” Lorrain Croy
