I find blogging to be very beneficial for developing professionally. The internet is a gateway to a plethora of information and resources. Blogging only adds to that. Whether it is starting your blog, commenting or reading someone else' blog, ideas and information can be swapped in an informal way, creating a casual atmosphere and friendly environment while doing so.
The book supports many ideas in which a blogger can develop professionally. In chapter 2, it talks about the idea of reflecting on teaching experiences. This is a great way to get feedback and share ideas with others to improve teaching in the classroom. You can share your experiences with teachers from all over the world and develop relationships and new ways to enhance your skills.
Other educators might also blog about teacher training experiences, workshops and tips. By subscribing to their blogs, that can also help in professional development. This can provide insights from other classrooms around the world and helpful ways to deal with problems in the classroom.
Blogging can also help develop better relationships with students. With a better relationship, teachers are able to educate in a more comfortable manner while children are more active and respectful in the classroom. By blogging about specific issues or just providing updated information on classes, students can keep up to date on materials even if they forget to bring things home. Blogging can also be a great way to keep parents up to date on their children's progress in school.
The use of blogging can really help professional development in so many ways. It allows you to prepare for future experiences while improving your present and past experiences.
I agree with your comments about connecting with students through blogging. The world is changing and we have to keep up to better connect with our students! I also like the idea of tapping into their interest in Facebook or the internet to make learning more relevant for them. This will lead to more student engagement and hopefully more meaningful retention in any field.
ReplyDeleteHave you been able to connect via blogging with any other fellow ESL instructors whom have taught abroad?
ReplyDeleteI subscribe via RSS to many edublogs. It is a great way to keep learning!
ReplyDeleteDr. Burgos
I like your idea of sharing with teachers all over the world. Blogs not only allow us to do so but to do so with ease. We should def take advantage of these sorts of tools.
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