I am not sure how to start this off! Let's begin with why--why did I create a blog? Well, I recently created a Twitter account. In the few short months that I have been tweeting, I have learned tremendous amounts about all of the different ways to use the web, both personally and professionally. My job title is Literacy Coach and my goal is to advance the professional development of my staff. Technology is changing the way we do so many things and I would like to be able to help my staff navigate that change. But I would feel lost in helping them navigate uncharted waters, so here I am--charting a course.
I am starting with a Blog, but who knows where it will go from there. In fact, if you have recommendations about where it should go, I'd love to hear them!
I'd also love input on personal vs. professional blogs. Do I merge the two parts of my life into one blog? I work in a middle school but I also live with a soon-to-be 7th grader and a soon-to-be 4th grader. And the stories I could tell about my husband! Part of me feels like maybe there should be two blogs. But another part argues that I am only one person and I'm not even sure how I'll be able to keep up with one blog, let alone two! I would like to actually LIVE some experiences to write about! In yet another facet of my life, I am an adjunct instructor in a middle level master's program. One of the major tenets I preach about teaching at the middle level is that we need to have integrated curriculum; a blending of the boundaries between the subject areas. To then chop up my life into little separate parts seems hypocritical.
That's where I'll leave it for today. I have a lot to learn and guidance would be good!
Way to go...I went through some of the same thought processes as you expressed here. I first started a "professional" blog, in that it was/is related to my work: http://visitmyclass.com/blogs.edpsliteracy At the beginning of this year, I decided I wanted to explore some other topics, not necessarily related to my work, so I started a second blog: http://linda704.wordpress.com Whatever you decide, make it your own and keep it real. You will find a balance of what feels right for you. Other considerations...if you want to use your blog for your job, make sure you use a service/app that is not blocked! You mentioned telling stories about your husband...do you want a creative writing outlet? A blog is a great place to do that. Probably more than you wanted, but hopefully a few helpful things for you to think about. Good luck! :)
ReplyDeleteI think you should chose a different color background, the pink with the black type hurts my eyes, and being this is a blog and will have a lot to read, I find I cannot read very long.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on starting a blog! I was also inspired by many of the people I follow on Twitter and just started a blog myself a few days ago at www.mindwalks1.wordpress.com. I struggled with the question of personal vs. professional and made the same decision you did. It's all I can handle for now. Plus, I like what you said about "a blending of the boundaries." Often, I can apply lessons from my personal life to my professional life and vice versa. I look forward to reading more!
ReplyDelete