Learning Lab Education Radio

In this episode, I explain why blogging is an important tool for modern educators as well as give a brief "how to" when getting started with a blog.

Links referenced in episode:

http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/02/27/the-web-at-25-in-the-u-s/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_blogging 

What you choose to write about is up to you, but some ideas could be:

1. Best practice from your classroom- this is a great time to draw on personal experience

2. An idea or technique you’d like to try- get your thoughts down on how this new idea or technique could be used

3. Book review- read something interesting related to education, share your reflections and actionable items with others, you’ll find that others will share their recommendations with you!

4. Experience from a conference- bringing others along virtually helps to share your professional learning and can help to solidify what you yourself learned.

The three part comment principle:

1. Be positive- start with a compliment

2. Build connection- draw a parallel from your own life or experience to the post

3. Ask a question, this helps to further the conversation instead of ending it.

I hope that you are feeling inspired to get that blog going! Once you’ve posted that first post, I’d love to read it!

In this episode we talk with William Chamberlain who tirelessly advocates for student blogging and commenting. A fascinating look into:

• The origins of #commentsforkids
• The frontier days of Twitter
• Best practices for student blogging and commenting

You'll be inspired to connect students together through blogging and get practical ideas for bringing this essential aspect of online life into the classroom. 

In this episode, we talk with Drew Frank Associate Head of School at the Davis Academy outside of Atlanta Georgia. During this conversation Drew describes the teacher centered nature of the embedded professional development at the academy. Stratgies include:

• Reading circles with staff.
• Embedded learning opportunities.
• Creating a culture of growth.
• Engaging parents and students in learning.

You'll learn from Drew how to cultivate your  staff's intrinsic desire to learn and grow, as well as how to involve your school community in the process as well.