I started a blog and published several blog posts for my 20% project. The first step was to research blogging tools. Once I chose a tool, I searched for information to help me learn the basics needed to get started. Finally, I wrote and published 5 posts on the blog I titled Early Intervention Playground.
This experience has increased my knowledge in the area of digital-age work. Blogging is a popular digital tool with which I was not all that familiar. By experiencing the process first hand, I have a better understanding of how powerful this tool could be in the classroom and for professional development. I have experienced the feelings that students may encounter, such as nervousness about publishing, apprehension about whether people will appreciate your work, and excitement when someone shares your work or comments on it in other forums. Having experienced this, I can help students work through those feelings so the first two do not become obstacles to getting to the third feeling. Writing the posts has helped me gain confidence in my ability to design and develop digital age learning experiences. My posts represent several activities I have designed and developed that can be used in early childhood education.
Blogging is also a tool for professional growth. The focus of my blog has been sharing my experiences with technology related to the early childhood field. I am working hard to apply what I am learning from the K-12 world of technology to the Early Childhood world. I am hoping that other Early Childhood professionals will follow my lead and find a way to share their knowledge and experiences with others so that we can build capacity in our field. My blog is a tool for helping me organize and document my thoughts, experiences and learning. The bonus is that I can share it with others who might be interested. I believe my blog is a vehicle for my professional development to come full circle. I have learned so much from others on Twitter, and blogs, now I am also sharing.
No comments:
Post a Comment