I was recently complimented on my writing, which, although I have a humanities background and spent most of my university years writing loooong papers, came as a surprise to me. At the time I didn’t really realize it, but upon reflection, it’s the blogging that has made me a better writer.
Not only do I have an actual audience for my writing (all 3 of you out there), but blogging requires that I write much more frequently than I naturally would. In fact, I probably wouldn’t be writing much at all if it wasn’t for the blogging. The practice of writing has naturally and organically improved my writing over the past six months. Now, I’m not saying I started from scratch, but even I can see a marked difference in my writing ability over the past semester. That’s a pretty powerful tool.
When I think about the experience our students will have writing and interacting with their audience at such a young age I am so excited for them! I see how empowering and motivating this tool can be for me as an adult and it must be even more so for the students. Even if we are reluctant to include technology in our teaching, we must want our students to be better writers, better communicators, and more reflective learners. If blogging is a tool that can enable this to happen in a completely natural, yet exciting and new way, shouldn’t we encourage all teachers to take advantage of it?
Image from: http://www.imaginethatstudios.com/writing/images/writing.jpg
Hey
I’m one of the three!!
You should keep focusing on your essential question here, which is: Does blogging improve writing? And why?
I think many teachers believe this but struggle to document how it is happening and why it is happening.
For example, is it just audience and practice that is improving your writing or is it the technology itself? This is a question that I keep coming back to when I wonder if composition is changing for students as they access more and more tools. Is something changing?
Thanks for getting me thinking.
Peace,
Kevin
Kevin,
Thanks for finding some focus in my rambling there :) I actually should be making essential questions for my posts!
I love your questions. I’ve been thinking about them for a few days now and I’m not sure I’m any closer to an answer… For me, I think it’s a combination of the instant gratification of getting a response to my writing (which is a result of the technology) and the idea that by having this writing online, I can dig deeper into my own thoughts, make connections with others, and see how those connections pan out (again, as a result of the technology).
I remember being asked to write journals in school. They were never very exciting. I could never bother to keep a diary. But, now, the communication aspect of this kind of professional diary is part of what motivates me. I think that’s where the technology fits in, and that’s what’s changing…
What do you think?
Hello! I came across your blog when I was doing a research on educational blogging that I presented last week in a conference. I’m so excited to read your writings. Being a ‘baby blogger’, I’ve still a lot to learn and that doesn’t hinder me to share the little knowledge that I have at the conference, as the participants didn’t know much about blogging. I learn through trial and error. I also feel that blogging has helped me to improve my writing. It’s great to know that you are living in Malaysia at the moment. I hope you are able to share more about educational blogging. Thanks.
Sincerely,
Shima
Shima,
Thanks for visiting and commenting! I’m so glad you are finding something useful here. I’m so excited to connect with another educational blogger in Malaysia. Looking forward to reading your work :)
Kim
Hi again, Kim!
I’m trying to ‘convert’ more educational bloggers in Malaysia. Initially,I blogged more for self expression and as warm up activity, for my other dream, which is to become a writer. I blog in both English and Malay, with different contents;and also as motivation, for my students who are struggling to learn English as a Second Language. I’m not an IT expert but loves to explore the potentials of using it in my teaching. Do let me know if there’s any chance of participating in any workshop relating to educational blogging. I’ll be glad to join.
Thanks again!
Shima