Educational Blogs

http://weblogg-ed.com/about/
What did you find?
Will Richardson organized a concise, yet thorough, look at teaching with the web. He arranged his page to be a good blend of information and opinion. I particularly liked the link "Classroom Practice". I found great examples of realistic possibilities for classroom use. The Concord school model will be a great reference.

What did you think?
I thought the site is extremely helpful for this course. It is necessay to have a online source for the text with this kind of material. As the availability of web pages, new wikis and blogs increase he is able to add information for his audience.

So What?
The site is great as a guide, but may be a bit overwhelming with the large amounts of information. After exploring the site, I will most likely use only certain sections.

What now?
Now, I can transfer this information to the work I complete throughout this course.




davidwarlick.com/2cents

What did you find?
The next webpage I explored, by David Warlick, was quite different from Richardson's. His page seems to be more opinion based. He posts several articles and gives information about the latest events in education, giving his thoughts and showing the thoughts others who respond.

What did you think?
The page is filled with information. I wouldn't be as likely to use this site because I didn't find it as easy to navigate. He did have some great demonstrations of way to use web tools. I especially liked the "Tag Cloud" feature which posts the most use terms in the blog. This would be a great tool to use in a language arts classroom ativity. His map application for where he is blogging from was another idea others may like to incorporate.

So what?
This information could be a tool for those interested in the latest trends in education. It made me think of an online book club for education literature with strong opinions presented.

What now?
This type of page is great for those who have a large group to add comments. I will keep in mind, to write with a clear voice as I continue.




http://itshambrick.blogspot.com

What did you find?
Scott Hambrick demonstrates the incorporation of web tools into his website. He is a "regular guy", not an expert in the field. He posted a blend of personal and professional exeriences.

What did you think?
This is a great model for me. I can use his site as a great starting point. It wasn't as overwhelming to this beginner with web tools. I liked how I felt I knew him by reading his blogs.

So what?
I appreciate his use of graphics/video to accompany his thoughts and research.

What now?
After looking at the large effect of adding simple things, I will be adding more to my own blog.



blogs.edweek.org/teachers/eduholic

What did you find?
Emmit Rosenfeld's blog provides posts on experiences and opinions.His final post decribes why his editor felt he should no longer continue to blog on his page.

What did you think?
His posts were interesting to read and gives us something to think about. It was unfortunate that his opinions were an issue because it takes away from cor teaching. It reinforced how a lot of times, teachers opinions don't really matter.

I searched through the other edweek page' articles and was impressed by how easily it was to navigate.

So what?
It is good to keep in mind that anyone can read these posts. Not everyone will appreciate opinions.
The site will be a great reference for professional development. I can think of many people who would benefit from this (even those who are not into blogging).

What now?
Another thing to keep in mind as blogging gains popularity.



techedandweb2tools.blogspot.com

What did you find?
This page gives a simple variety of education blogs with links to information and references several online articles.

What did you think?
I thought the author showed the reader ways to use technology in unusual circumstances. I loved how there was a response to people who are not in strong support of technology as she set up links and described schools who experiences the negative aspects of technology, like looking at innapropriate material.

So what?
Taking a look at the negative and keeping that in mind is necessary, especially when dealing with a large class, all of their parents, and all of their opinions.

What now?
It is important to remember to keep posts child-appropriate and know exactly what students are using the web to do.