Blogging: A Personal Learning Communtiy

The world no longer has walls that box us into a small area.  Through technology we have access to the ends of the earth as long as an internet connection is available.  Educational professionals can use web blogging in any number of ways to communicate with others in their field, or just journal ideas to give to later reflection time.  Educators seem to work on a deserted island.  Collaboration is time consuming and risky.  The 21st century invites us to escape from the island and come inland with our peers and model cooperative learning that we desire from our students.  Blogging is an avenue for such an activity.  Educational leaders can share ideas and strategies across the country or across the hall through a blog.  It gives opportunity for others to comment on our writing and encourages a global perspective for education.  Bloggers can share their ideas, experiences and perspectives for others to comment.  It is an intentional way of reflecting on practices whether successful or not.  Like a closet filled with outfits for the taking, a blog can provide opportunities to look into thoughts in retrospect, add to them and/or take something away.  By blogging, a personal learning community can be enjoyed.  A deep sense of satisfaction can be drawn from sharing our thoughts and ideas with others in our profession.  It is a road to play with "big ideas" and challenges a deeper inquiry of personal professional practices.  Blogging is a powerful tool that allows the educational community to expand horizons and flourish with new ideas.