Thing #4 Commenting on Blogs

In the previous post I said that blogs would be good for in class journaling. I was also thinking that this would be important to help students understand the idea of public. When sitting at our computers in our pjs in our living room making comments on things - we feel right at home. We are not as careful about the way we say things. And we don't think that things we have said can be interpreted completely differently then what we meant. Then, of course, there are the times when we say things we shouldn't have said. Letting students comment on each other's blogs, then discussing the blogs and comments within class is a really good way to show them just how public and open to interpretation blogs are.

"It is important that we model for children the right way to disagree on a topic and to show that we can do it while remaining civil and not attacking the other's right to their opinion," from Cool Cat Teacher blog. I really liked this idea from Cool Cat Teacher. Modeling behavior for students can be the very best teacher sometimes. And having the ability to discuss things in a civil, smart, open and educated way is a million dollar skill. This is truly something students will use every day. Every single day. 

It is important to encourage comments and to comment back. Otherwise a blogger is just out there spouting out what they think. That seems kind of self centered and silly. The whole point of a blog is to find people who are interested in or dealing with things that you are dealing with and create a conversation with them. The blog community is some place when those who are thinking about the same things, but are thousands of miles apart can come together and chat. As Problogger said, "it creates a culture of interactivity and gives the impression to other readers that your comments section is an active place that you as the blogger value." 

While it is important to encourage comments you want to make sure it is a safe place to comment. You don't want potentially smart and helpful people run off by mean, unfair, and out there commenters. So it is important to set boundaries. As stated by Problogger, "setting rules can make commenters feel safe - knowing that some will enforce rules about respect within the blog. If you know there is a moderator who will delete any sort of personal attack on you if you have a different opinion you may feel more inclined to express that opinion." If potentially smart, insightful commenters feel they will be respected they are more likely to engage in a conversation. People with a different, fresh perspective sometimes offer more to the conversation then those who agree with your position. Being a moderator who respects and appreciates his or her audience is important. There are a million blogs out there. If you ignore those reading they will find some who doesn't. We all want to know some one is listening - kind of the reason for the blog. So, as Problogger said, you should reward comments. And really this works every where in life. Everyone likes to hear that they are smart, interesting, have something good to add to the conversation or that you are just listening to them. Works in the classroom, or the real world. It creates self esteem which in turns creates the feeling of safety - which makes you respected and listened to. It is all a cycle. 

"If you died today and don't share 'your secret,' it will die with you and you will miss the chance to leave behind something far more important... a legacy." This is from Cool Cat Teacher Blog. I believe what she means is don't be a chicken - get out there and say what you think. I am going to try not to be a chicken, not to have thin skin, and get out there and learn something from the many, many conversations going on out there.


Thing #4 Part two... (this is still under construction)
I am still trying to read all my classmates blogs. I have commented on two:

1. The first was going goder's post about using blogs in the classroom. I really liked her idea of using a blog to post art work or videos made by students. A virtual gallery would be an inexpensive way to share with the class, other classes, make comments, and make it feel public. I liked her blog on a whole. Very down to earth.  I am a follower on her blog.
2. I commented on teachartlearntech post about the blogs she follows. I really liked poppytalk. I could spend way too much time there. She has a lovely blog - such nice images. I am also a follower of her blog. 

Blogs I follow:

1.I also follow - A Year of Reading. I really love this blog. It is written by two teachers and is all about books. I sometimes find things I have already read and I really like reading their perspective and other's comments on the books. Most of the time I find something new and illuminating there. This blog is a treasure.
2. I follow - 100 Scope Notes. This blog kindly comes to my email. It is written by an elementary school librarian. He puts up books but also cool art projects, interviews, and leads me to many other blogs. He posts often and I always find him amusing or interesting.