What's RIGHT with the edublogosphere?

Continuing the conversation from yesterday when I asked “What’s WRONG with the edublogosphere?”, today I invite you to share what you think is RIGHT in our not-so-little edublogger world.

   What’s right with edublogging?
   (or, if you like, What’s right with the edublogosphere?)

Please share your thoughts, either in the comments area or as a post on your own blog (leave us a link in the comments area, though!). As Darren Rowse notes, this is a great opportunity to deconstruct the medium. Share whatever you want as long as it is positive. If you’ve got something negative to say about the edublogosphere, see the post from yesterday.

I’m looking forward to seeing your thoughts!

Comments

[Colette Cassinelli]

1.

What is right with the edublogosphere is that it is constantly changing and evolving and challenging my learning. I love having the ability to hear a new voice by subscribing to new bloggers and hearing different points of view from all over the world. The blogosphere is right there waiting for me to participate and it doesn't take much effort to get involved - but if I am overwhelmed with too much information overload - I can step back knowing that I can return at any moment.

For me personally, skimming my RSS daily (and commenting when I feel inspired) is like skimming the newspaper each morning. I keep a pulse of what's happening "out there" and it keeps me connected to educators who value sharing and learning.

[Bob Irving]

2.

I love going through my RSS and Twitter feeds daily. It's an ongoing professional development program.

[J_allen]

3.

What's right with the edublogosphere is that I can easily find out what's happening around the world just by opening my Google Reader. Books may take you somewhere in your imagination, but the blogs I read take me to actual places just by clicking on a new link. It's like an online treasure hunt, with everyone able to contribute their own valuable trinket. I don't miss out on conferences anymore because I can live vicariously through the hundreds of people who are willing to share their experiences.

[rob]

4.

Whats right is that I can learn more for FREE from edubloggers than I could at 99% of conferences I paid $300 to attend.

Whats also right is that edublogging has given more people voices. . but we still need more.

[Steve]

5.

"Ongoing professional development program" - brilliant! That is exactly how I look at it too.

I learn. I learn about resources that are available. I learn about what is going on in other districts. I learn about specific problems, and specific solutions.

I don't know how much I can learn from various twitter feeds, but my rss feeds? When I set them up, I saw a reflection of different priorities that I wasn't previously aware of. I have perhaps 15 news agencies in rss. I have a number of tech/geek feeds. I have at least 30 edu feeds, and I am thrilled when I find more!

Education is a passion. And that passion is reflected in blogs too. :)

[Steve]

6.

Forgot to add my own blog in my sig. Forgive me. :) http://avoteforthefuture.wordpress.com/

[Laurie Fowler]

7.

Here is my response: http://lauriefowler.blogspot.com/2010/02/what-is-right-with-educational.html

Laurie Fowler

[Andrew B. Watt]

8.

Responded to this on my blog, and in essence my answer is, "it exists at all."

[Carl Anderson]

9.

Perhaps the number one thing that I appreciate the edublogosphere for is its ability to combat isolation, both geographic and ideological. Often it is difficult being one of few with unpopular progressive views on a staff, having the edublogosphere there to back you up is helpful. It provides support where there otherwise would be none. It also keeps me current. And, it allows for the daily communication with other similar content-area teachers for those in districts where they are the sole provider.

[Willaim Gripentrog]

10.

The main reason what is right with the edublogosphere is that is allows (more like encourages) teachers to be self-reflective. Keeping it public allows for feedback.

[Jason Buell]

11.

Two words: Positive deviants

[Andy]

12.

What's right?
I can from my isolated classroom in a "one room" school in a small town in Thailand, learn from others around the world...can appreciate the diversity of the globe and its people...watch (and share with students) other classrooms, cultures, nations, languages and sometimes, even their "gods"...what's right? It's right.

[Mike]

13.

Here's what's right:

I can work to get my ideas out without formal means. I can get these ideas out in a format that is easy and accessible. And, finally, I can feel like the ideas will stick around and be discussed by people who may or may not agree.

[Jean Tower]

14.

I agree with many of the points already made -
- continual PD
- a PLN to whom I can pose questions & ask advice
- combat the isolation of the profession
- encourages sharing and reflection
- models learning behavior for our students
I also hope that the edublogosphere serves to aggregate and thus amplify our voices. Other professions oversee and regulate their own professions (lawyers, doctors, nurses, etc) while education is mainly overseen and judged externally. The more we advocate and speak for our professions the more hope I have that we will be listened to.

[Mike]

15.

I agree with a lot of what has been said above. for me I really believe it has helped me become a better teacher by providing me with new teaching strategies. Also it provides support when you see that others are struggling with some of the same issues you face in the classroom and profession. While they may not provide a solution it is comforting to know that you are not alone.