Tech Task # 7 – The Blogging Process – My journey in embracing the world of blogging…
Last summer I had a friend who travelled overseas for the summer and I remember him mentioning before he left that he would be blogging everyday so that he would be able to share with us his backpacking adventures. I remember not having a lot of time to read up on his blog, but when I did it was incredible to read about his experiences and really neat in knowing exactly where he was and what he got to see and do that day of his travels. As I continued to read his blog that summer I realized his blog had become a wonderful keepsake for him. I knew that when he returned home his blog would be there to help him reminisce. Although those reading his blog were not there with them, they to would be able to reminisce with him in ways they would not have been able to do had it not been for his blog. During my travels I often sent emails to friends and family while I was travelling, however today I don’t have any of those emails saved and I couldn’t tell you exactly where I was and what I experienced. Had I been aware of the benefits to having a blog I think I would have started one a long time ago. I understand now why wikipedia mentions that there are more than 112 millions blogs and I realize just how valuable one can be.
Six weeks ago I began my own personalized blog. I was little nervous at first about the entire process, however I found it easy to navigate through edublogs and I soon found myself extremely excited and proud of my blog space. The first step I took as a digital immigrant was introducing myself to a whole new world. Not having any idea who would be scoping out my blog from time to time was a little strange, but knowing how many others do the same and how interesting it is to read about another one’s life made it all worth while. So there I was inducted into the world of blogging. Soon afterwards I was adding widgets, videos, posts and began to read and comment on many other blogs. I’ve learned many new things from reading other blogs and I am fascinated at just how fast one can be connected with all sorts of people from anywhere and everywhere. Its as though I’ve found thousand of great pen pals willing to express and share with me things that can help me to grow as a person and as a professional.
Personally for me, my blog space has become part of my professional development. Since I have began my blog I have recognized the infinite amount of growth opportunity that is now only a mouse click away. I am grateful that I am able to post and comment on other blogs and extremely appreciative that there are other teachers, students and professionals willing to comment, share and help me grow towards becoming an effective technological teacher. My blog has helped me learn to use new tools and my computer more effectively, and for that I am thankful. The one thing however that I have found to be most difficult about blogging is thinking of, creating and writing worth while posts. Lately my minds has been flooded with countless creative ideas but I have found these ideas hard to put down in words and I am still a bit intimidated about sharing my thoughts and ideas through my blog. I think through time, more frequent use of my blogging and the reading of blogs, I will eventually become more confident in my blogging style.
In conclusion I have found blogging to be a worth while adventure and I am looking forward to continuing in this adventure. I have started to compile an online portfolio and I am very thrilled about the idea of it being easily accessible to future employers and a terrific way for me to be able to reflect on my professional progress.
