Thing # 4 Why Commenting is Important

Posting in your own blog as well as interacting and commenting on other people's blogs shows that you are  really engaged in a topic.  Commenting (agreeing with, politely disagreeing with, or adding your unique perspective and knowledge) on a subject will spark a conversation that can make the blog a place of dialogue and interaction amongst people who are interested in the same things.  Commenting creates a sense of community for otherwise isolated bloggers.  The blogger will not feel that they are wasting time and energy blogging into cyberspace if they see that people are interested in what they have to say.  Interaction and feedback is universally appreciated, both in the real world and on the web.    

While exploring comment etiquette, I found an interesting discussion:

Is it important to respond to comments made on your blog?

Some people find it necessary to individually respond to each and every comment.  Others never take the time to reply.  I agree with this comment made on Drape's Takes: Edublogger Etiquette- Responding to Comments made by Bam Bam Bigelow:  "I tend to respond to comments that challenge my thinking-- Comments that don't challenge my thinking I don't respond to."  This falls right in line with the rule of making meaningful comments.  If you want to spark a conversation, leave a comment that will do so.  While comments like "Right On!" are nice, they do not necessarily add to the discussion.  I agree with Bam--  Constructive, reflective comments are so much more valuable than ones that put a dead end to a conversation.  That is ultimately what happens after "Good Job."  No room is left for growth from this comment.  Comments that engage me to further reflect on a topic keep the discussion going.  These comments should and will be responded to.

Today I spent some time exploring my classmates blogs as well as some in the larger blogosphere:

• I commented on Renee McClendon's Blog 23 "Things for Teachers" about her ideas for using a blog in her high school science classroom.  I liked her ideas and commented that both her students and parents would enjoy the novelty and interaction that comes with using a blog.
• I also commented on Heather Wilson's Blog "Wilson's 23 Things for Teachers" about her difficulty with the 4th Habit of Lifelong Learning- having confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner.  I also struggle with confidence at times.  
• I enjoyed Kim Jernigan's post about the 7 1/2 Habits in her blog "K. Jernigan EDUC 5540- 23 Things."  She made a great remark about seeing a challenge as a way to learn something new, like changing a flat tire.  I commented that this was a great way to look at an obstacle.  She may not have ever learned to change a flat if she hadn't been abruptly faced with the dilemma.
• I like Kate Gower's blog "Hour de Gower."  The way she writes is exciting and makes me want to follow along.  She shared some of her interests with us which enabled me to relate to her (and take interest in her blog.)  
• I was drawn to Kasi Roberts' "kroberts life & literature blog" because of her title included something that I am very interested in (literature).  She shared an interesting tidbit about her exploration of Freud's Interpretation of Dreams.  

In the larger blogosphere, I have found two great sites about art/design/crafting/etc...

• poppytalk.blogspot.com 
• bugsandfishes.blogspot.com

I love following these inspirational sites on my brand new RSS reader (this is a great tool!).  This morning I left a comment on Poppytalk about a beautiful woven rug and shared my desire to take up weaving.  I also commented on a new project that Bugs and Fishes is working on.

Thing # 3 Using a Blog in My Future Classroom

I would like to use a blog to chronicle and share what is happening in my classroom.  The blog will host information about activities, calenders, assignments and images of student work.  Students will be encouraged to participate in the blog by commenting on activity or, if possible, adding their own posts.  Parents will also be encouraged to visit the blog to gain an understanding of the things their child is learning and creating.  The blog will be a great nexus of sharing and interaction between classroom, teacher, student, and parent.  Using the blog as a showcase for student work will also motivate the students to participate and get involved.  Students will be excited to see their work on the computer screen and be able to show their parents at home.  Parents will be able to interact by virtually commenting on the things they see on the blog.  This will create a wonderful flow of information and communication between classroom and home.  

Thing # 2 Creating a Blog and an Avatar

I enjoyed creating the blog and the avatar.  Both processes were made simple by effective directions.  The hardest part for me when starting the blog was choosing a name.  I wanted to choose a descriptive name that pertained directly to what I would be using the blog for.  Since I am a prospective art teacher and am chronicling my discover of technology,  teachartlearntech is perfect for me.  I chose to use the same name for my posting name to keep things uniform and understandable.
I had a lot of fun creating the avatar.  I chose features that resembled mine as closely as possible because I wanted her to look like me.  I suppose this is in lieu of an actual photo.  Using a meaningful pseudonym and look-a-like avatar keep things somewhat anonymous as well as professional so that I will feel comfortable using the site.

Thing # 1 Lifelong Learning and Learning 2.0

Today I learned about lifelong learners.  For lifelong learners, it is never too late to acquire new skills and knowledge.  Learning can occur outside of the formal education system and throughout a lifetime.

Lifelong learners...
(1).  set goals
(2.)  accept responsibility for their own learning
(3.)  view problems as challenges
(4.)  are confident in themselves
(5.)  create a learning toolbox (books, classes, mentors, etc.)
(6.)  use technology
(7.)  teach others
and (7 1/2.)  play!

I am a lifelong learner.  I am especially good at habits # 2 and #5.  I accept responsibility for my own learning by taking advantage of classes and materials that are available to me.  If I want to get involved with something new, like gardening for example, I know where to find the information I need and how to build a toolbox to get started.  I know that lots of books are available in the library about gardening.  I can also use online resources like grower websites and chat forums.  If I want to speak to somebody directly, I can call my local Agricultural Extension Service.    All of these resources are available to help me in my endeavor and should be put to use.
Viewing problems as challenges rather than crises (#3) is sometimes a little harder for me.  Often the obstacles that are encountered when learning something new can be overwhelming.  Even the sheer amount of knowledge that you uncover in a subject can be mind-boggling.  These things should be looked at as opportunities to learn, not to panic.

I have had fun learning Web 2.0 tools.  Initially, I was a little skeptical about how technology can be used in an art classroom.  With a little exploration, I have found a lot of great examples of art educators using technology in their lessons.  The internet also offers tons of interactive sites that can be used by art learners.  Smartboards and clickers (just some of the technology I have learned about so far) are also great tools.  I have found a lot of uses for smartboards and would like to learn a little more about how I can incorporate clickers into my classroom.

This blog was extremely quick and easy to set up.  I enjoy the simplicity of the blog and think it will be a great way to record my progress through the 23 things!