Blogs
are a way for educational leaders to be better connected and aware of important
topics in their field and their school. Although I have used blogs in my past
(reading and responding to personal issues or parenting and hobbies), I never
considered it as a good way to meet with principals and teachers. We are all so
busy with job, family, and friends, too often, there is nothing left over for
professional development and communication. Blogging will allow for an exchange
of ideas that distance and time would otherwise prevent.
It
is also a way to share those “ah ha” moments and other exciting revelations
with colleagues, peers, friends, family, and pretty much anyone who is
interested in the topic. It enables the user to “think big” (Dana, 150) and
help play with, develop, and challenge ideas.
As I have been playing with this blogging thing throughout the week, it has occurred to me that this is also the perfect tool to facilitate the very necessary reflection component of action research.
ReplyDeleteI have a very good principal who has often encouraged our faculty to engage in the process of reflection. She has given us paper journals in which to do this. Despite that, I have never been able to develop the habit.
My hope is that through this interface, with its back and forth among followers, we will be able to better facilitate the scheduled time for reflection to which the Dana book refers. I guess that, since so many of us have so much work to do on our computers anyway, it might be easier, especially through the use of mobile technology and the portability of a journal that is maintained online, to have no excuse not to stop and take the time for our scheduled reflection.
For example, I am speaking this comment into my phone as I sit in line at the drive thru at my bank. I will stop, take 5 minutes, and make some minor corrections when I get home. Thus, I will have engaged in some reflection while sitting alone in my car, and have that reflection present that others may possibly benefit from it. Now, make no mistake, I am NOT encouraging the practice of blogging while driving. That is dangerous and very stupid. When I get home and read this I'm sure that it will be rife with mistakes that the speech to text feature made in its "egg no rinse" ( seriously, that's what came out instead of the word ignorance). I am okay with that, though.
The bulk of the reflection will be done at a time when I am probably just sitting staring at nothing and reflecting, anyway. A little bit of editing, though, and it's ready for documentation and public appearance.
This sounds like a fabulous idea. I tend to forget I have the voice memo capability on my phone. These days, I need to take every opportunity I have to "work" with a full-time job, grad school (again), two teenagers (who think they have to participate in everything), five pets, extra and co-curricular activities, and a very understanding (on most days) husband.
ReplyDeleteNow I just have to be able to walk and chew gum (or talk on my phone) at the same time.