Educating Bloggers

I've been working to encourage teachers to incorporate technology (recently) blogging in their programs. It is real work.

It begins. 

• "Why should I?"
  Explain about blogging and its benefits; purposeful writing, authentic audience, engaging kids with technology, options for creative culminating tasks, multiple intelligences, equity, collaboration.

• "I don't get computers."
  Overcome fears with teacher/teacher librarian collaboration and team teaching.

• "I don't see how it will fit in the curriculum."
  Blogging allows for flexible content and can be used in every subject area with many options for demonstration of understanding. Personally I have always thought my job as an educator is to teach my students how to think and how to learn.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/56008930@N00/3190048572

• "I told the parents I was going to have my class write more."
  Blogging is writing and for an authentic audience.

•  "I don't know anything about blogging."
  Let me help. Watch these videos.Commoncraft: Blogs,  Brainpop-blogsStart small. Richardson (2009, p.32). suggests blogging with students can be scaffolded.

ELEMENTARY: Locate interesting sites, compare and write about the sites and how they might be used.
MIDDLE SCHOOL: Become experts on a selected topic and identify valid and credible sources.
OLDER STUDENTS: Reflect on a research topic, build on ideas and comments, create new ideas.

• "They won't be interested."
  Nieses (2011.para.1) writes in Empowering Students to Leave a Legacy, "one great way to create deep motivation for some learners is encouraging them to leave a legacy." I imagine the legacy of the digital footprint of a blog might motivate some.

7 Deadly Podcasting Fears

Lewis'(2011) October 31 podcast episode, Top 7 Deadly Fears of Podcasting lists reasons why some people hesitate to try podcasting or blogging. I admit that a few of these have crossed my mind but now my podcasts are finished and posted I have developed some confidence in my efforts. Lewis' list might help my students overcome their fears as well. He debunks each fear with logical explanations including; there is a listener for every voice and every idea and confidence will help you overcome your fears.

1. not worth the time
2. don't have enough to say
3. no one will listen
4. people won't like me
5. too hard
6. costs too much
7. I hate the sound of my voice

Following links to access the original source of this podcast I was overjoyed to find Lewis' site included notes for archived episodes. I am beginning to realize just how small my piece of auditory learner is.