Start Blogging!

Hi there everyone! In my first blog post I am going to discuss a few ways having a blog can be beneficial for both professional development and future students.

In a world where we are surrounded by technology it would be silly not to utilize it for educational purposes. Students use the internet on an almost daily basis for social interaction, checking and responding to emails, and entertainment, so why not encourage them to use it in their education as well? The benefits of student blogging can be profound. In an ESL classroom often times students will be timid to speak; afraid of either making a mistake or worried about being judged by others. Through blogging, students have the ability to express themselves free of judgment; allowing them to engage in class discussions and practice both their reading and writing skills simultaneously. This is an excellent way to help students meet learning standards as well. For example, in New York State's ESL standard requirements at the C.9-12.2 level “students will listen, speak, read, and write English for literary response, enjoyment, and expression.” What better way to meet this requirement than with a personalized blog?

Considering the significant number of educational resources that are available to students today, keeping a blog is also an excellent way to take various helpful online materials and bring them into one place. This way, students do not need to go searching all over the internet for helpful resources; they can access everything at once through just one website.

Besides using a blog in the classroom or with students,   blogging can be beneficial for one’s professional development as well.

For one, (as mentioned by fellow Steve Wheeler, another teacher blogger) blogging gives teachers a way to reflect. Teachers who blog consistently about their lessons and classes are able to look back and think about what has and/or hasn't worked for them in their classrooms in hopes that they can make improvements to their current curriculum. It is also a great way to network and receive feedback from other teachers in your field. By blogging you are putting yourself out there in the public eye to receive feedback and suggestions from your fellow teachers. It also gives you and your fellow teachers the opportunity to bounce ideas off of each other in order to help your students.

So what are you waiting for? Get those creative juices flowing and start your educational blog today!