Beginning Bloggers
Posted by Lois on March 25, 2009
I started my blog about a year ago – in fact it was the first birthday of “My ICT Journey” on March 10th! I remember at the beginning that the concept of blogging was completely strange to me. Now, it would be completely strange not to have a blog (or two). You know that feeling you get if don’t have your mobile phone or you forget to put on your wrist watch – that’s what it would be like if I couldn’t have my blog.
With this in mind I thought I would compile the resources that helped me get my head around my purpose and understanding of blogging. I am in no way an expert especially compared to the “pro bloggers” who I read and admire, but this short list might help the beginning bloggers of the world.
I started by listening to podcasts about blogging. Blogging Vox Pops was one of the first podcasts that helped me understand why or why not I might blog: It goes for about 20 mins and is easy to listen to while you are driving or doing the housework. E-Learning Insights has a number of podcasts about blogging that are helpful.
The next thing I did was to read blogs. The more I read the more I was inspired to write. Writing was not one of my preferred past times, a hang over from being a terrible speller as a child, but blogging is short and sweet and usually illustrated – so it fits all my criteria for writing. One of my favourite blogs to read at the time was not an educational one but Michele Martin’s Bamboo Project. Michele’s blog is
“… dedicated to helping individuals and organizations use best practices and social media tools to construct life-long learning and career development systems…”
The last thing on my list would be to take part in one of the blogging challenges. Challenges such as the “31 Days to Build a Better Blog” help to improve your blog with tips and behaviours that only other experienced bloggers know.
You can really only understand blogging by blogging. Take baby steps and write for yourself but try to post regularly. Be professional and only write/publish what you be happy to have your future employer to read. A blog can be an excellent digital portfolio.
March 26th, 2009 at 2:26 am
Lois, you are a legend – this is a really helpful post – thank you
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Lois Reply:
March 26th, 2009 at 5:06 am
Thanks Jane
I remember when I started to blog and it was like I was talking to myself. Not a bad thing because a blog is about personal learning. It takes time to get going but it is worth it.
Enjoy your blog.
Lois
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March 28th, 2009 at 1:37 am
Happy 1st blogday, Lois! You’ve done an awesome job in a relatively short time.
Jenny
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April 17th, 2009 at 1:23 am
Happy Birthday to you Lois!! We did start blogging around the same time. It has been a pretty crazy journey hasn’t it? I would like to do the 31 day blog challenge. Am getting the emails sent to me at the moment but haven’t had time!
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August 6th, 2009 at 5:04 am
Hi Lois,
I attended your PD yesterday at Jan Lake Centre and was just wondering if you could help me out.
I remember you telling us about a blog that had like a Puzzle Friday where the teacher placed challenges on his blog. Could you please share this blog address with me as I really liked the idea. Thanks again.. Kate Mallett – Ormond Primary School
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