Different Voices
I love the different educator voices you hear on weblogs. Tom’s recent post on ‘Wikis and the Command Economy of Schools’ is oh, so true. Tom has a way of cutting to the quick and I always look forward to reading what he writes. Mostly, I agree with him, but when I don’t, I still appreciate his writing because he gets me to think. Sometimes (but probably not as often as I should), I even change my view! I also admire his style of writing and try to learn from it.
Now I’m a real advocate of using weblogs with students but I wish I could effectively express how writing on your own weblog and being willing to put your voice out there can make a difference for you. It truly can change how you learn. It makes you an integral part of the process. You have a stake in it and it’s real. We’re writing to discover, to create and to explore our own thinking. It’s the many voices that are being raised and the varying styles of voices like Tom and others that make it so interesting. Each have value.
It really is a simple process. You read, you write, you think. The difference is that there is purpose and meaning in a unique way. You will come to appreciate your own writing. It is hard work at times, but so rewarding. You learn so much. Every piece does not have to be formal, nor even perfect, but the important thing is that we are writing to learn. It’s a great community. I hope other educators will jump in and feel the joy of the writing, reading and thinking! We need more voices in the mix!
November 10th, 2004 at 12:47 pm
I couldn’t agree more. It’s about students and teachers learning that their thoughts, ideas and opinions count. That someone else out there cares what they have to say.
November 15th, 2004 at 9:57 am
Right on! The experience is so meaningful. I can’t imagine how much I would have loved doing my own blog as a student. I hope educators jump on our bandwagon soon!