Thing # 3

     Blogging has proven to be a web sensation for those who have gathered together to discuss similar interests.  Blogging can be used for almost anything, especially teaching.  We live in a technologically advanced society where most people acquire their knowledge from the internet and what better way for educators to stay in  contact and get up to date information than from blogging?  Blogging allows teachers to discuss different tips and techniques that are used in the classroom to maintain issues such as the student's attention or behavior.  Another useful benefit is to be able to give advice to incoming teachers and share stories about the early experiences of teaching and what they have learned to do and not to do.  Also, planning lessons or discussing activities for lessons is another way to communicate with fellow teachers via blogging.  Not all blogs have to be a place of brainstorming.  It can also be a place for reflection on one's self as a teacher.  It could be somewhat of a diary where you track and examine what teaching skills you are doing right as a teacher and what you are doing wrong as well.  Teachers, especially, value the importance of critique because it is a way to improve for the benefit of the students and not necessarily viewed as an attack on one's character.
   Blogging doesn't have to be for just the teachers either.  It can be used as a classroom tool to aid in learning.   Putting the class scheduele, homework, project assignments and notes online is not only eco-friendly, but it also prevents the students from permanently losing their notes and homework assignments.  A majority of students have a computer or have access to one in today's times.  Blogging would be a useful tool where the students can do online activities and discuss classroom topics and lessons.  There are so many places that technology can take students and teachers both socially, intellectually and academically.