Don't blog for the sake of blogging!

Why are most of the blogs to my right currently untouched or vacant? Here is my take. A Blog is like a wrench or any other tool in a tool box. I have them, but until I need them, they will stay in the box. And some of those tools... I wouldn't know what to do with even if I did need them. Maybe one of those tools could help me complete a task easier, quicker or with better outcome, but I would need time to learn how to use it. The case with the blogs to the right? You don't use a tool you don't need. I don't say, I'm going to get a hammer and find a reason to use it. I say I need to hang this picture and select the best tool to get the job done. When a teacher says I need to teach my students response to literature and I need to select the best tool, a blog may be one of their choices.

Do we laugh at the same jokes?

Even monkeys see blogging as an answer! I wonder if our students do? Do we speak the same language as our students? Do we laugh at the same jokes? If connecting with our students is as important as research states, then maybe blogging is a way. What are your thoughts?

Wonderful Wiki

Go to: http://flatplanet.wikispaces.com/About and check out the power of wikis and technology. Two classrooms, two countries, one wiki, one project. We're not just talking pen pals, we're talking Environment. Students are having high level discussions and collaborating across the country on environmental projects. Who wouldn't want their child to have this experience!

Blog Island Deserted?

Blogs can be awfully lonely too! Contemplating two thoughts... is this really a Blog? Although I am interacting with the web, no one is interacting with me. According to Will Richardson blogs link, "... analysis and synthesis that articulate a deeper understanding or relationship to the content being linked and written with potential audience response in mind." Ok I've got the first part. I'm missing the second part. I have an audience in mind, but not the mind of an audience. I need interaction and responses. Interact with me, darn it!