I'm a newbie to this whole blogosphere thing. In fact, I'm new to the whole idea of writing continuously for myself, and probably wouldn't be starting this tech-journey without the requirements set forth by my summer grad class. I'm notorious for starting a journal, writing in it for a few days (or less), and then setting it to the side and letting it slip my mind. I'm no good at doing things for myself (but try to be excellent at doing things really well for others). So, we'll see what happens to this blog in a month or so.
For now, let me begin by saying that I'm excited about the potential that blogging promises. As I foraged the endless online writing spaces for ideas, I realized that blogging makes knowledge accessible, makes people's lives real, and has the potential of bringing us closer together. Consider, for instance, http://twowritingteachers.wordpress.com/, a blog started by two teachers who are over 500 miles apart. These women share ideas for teaching writing as well as create online spaces in which others can share ideas and resources.
I think a good blog is one that can include personal reflection, but also focuses on timely issues. As an expectant mother and always teacher, I struggle with my concern for teaching "revolutionary love," and transformative ways of thinking about the world. I know that race, class, gender, sexuality are social constructions, but am also painfully aware of the very real consequences these identities have in schooling and society. The anti-racist parenting blog, http://loveisntenough.com, highlights issues that are pertinent in today's media, education, and legal news, while including links to primary sources and celebrating positive events and families. Similarly, www.mochamomma.com shares one woman's experiences as a mother, writer, middle school teacher, and critic. Another blog, www.racialicious.com, investigates the intersections of race and the media.
The most effective blogs, to me, use the author's point of view to address popular opinion, difficult issues, or personal moments of reflection while also staying committed to intertextuality. This idea of intertextuality, to me, has to do with the overlap of multiple forms of media and texts (including historical moments, legal issues, young adult literature, other blogs) and how texts inform and create other texts in a dialectic.
I was a participant in the writing project at UNM last summer and boy let me tell you... it was the first time in a LONG time that I wrote for myself. I too, am great at doing things for others. I highly recommend the writing project- it is life changing! I want you to know that I have enjoyed reading your posts and comments, because I have learned and been challenged by your persepectives and word choice. I can tell you teach HS and what an amazing teacher you are! I love your writing style because it gets my mind and juices flowing! I have attempted a personal blog once last Christmas and have only one post, so this assignment will be good for me too. BTW- one thing I think that makes a good blog are shorter blogs. I feel like I am typing an anthology right now! lol... Do you find the word limit to be a lot?
ReplyDeleteI agree with the word limit... I am having a hard time being concise, and determining what is most important to share. Sometimes I feel a bit like Rachel in Mosaic of Thought; it's all important to me!
DeleteI really liked what you have said in your post. I think that the most effective blogs are those where we can learn something from them. I am with you on starting journals and then setting them aside. I have done that with previous blogs that I have started. I look forward to reading your blog and your posts about literacy.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to explore some of those great blogs you linked. I think that is one of the coolest things about Web 2.0, this creation and connection piece. I wouldn't have known about any of these without that connection through your blog. I especially am excited about the two writing teachers blog. I like the layout that they use, it's eye catching and easy to get around. That is important about blogs. I'd like to look at mine and play around with the layout a bit so that it looks more like that one.
ReplyDeleteYou said in your blog that you think blogs that mean something are the best ones, ones in which we can learn something. I agree....isn't that the greatness of them. They are so amazing.
As you come up with new ways to change the layout and design of your blog, let us know what works and what fails! Sometimes I think about getting creative, but I get nervous that I will alter the functionality and readability of the space. The Two Writing Teachers site excites me, but intimidates me at the same time. It's kind of like teaching at the beginning of the year... where do I begin?
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