Blogging in Schools? I thought I had arrived when our new web site was launched this fall and included a Director's Blog feature (which you are currently reading right now). I thought I had advanced with the latest technologies and was proud of my efforts to venture into unknown territory where the entire world could see my blog.

Well, I've learned a few things since my first launching of my Blog. #1 The entire world may have access to the blog, but they won't necessarily come visit unless you actively promote your site. (I've since learned of cool features such as RSS feeds that help in this process). #2 I'm not as "technologically with-it" as I thought once I began to look into more collaborative means of using technology in education. Web 2.0 was a foreign concept until 3 weeks ago. #3 The usefulness of Blogging and other interactive, collaborative technological tools creates GREAT opportunities for student learning.

That's our next challenge, integrating Web 2.0 tools into our instructional practices to enhance student engagement and student learning. I see this as great opportunities within our school to provide opportunities for students to own their education. Social networks are a part of students' lives these days. Want to guess the number of registered users of MYSPACE? 1 million? 2 Million? 10 Million? Try 47 million. That's larger than many countries. It's an interactive network that is easily embraced by today's youth. The trick is allowing students to use these tools, they are somewhat familiar with, in an instructional environment.

Blogs, weblogs, itunes, podcasts all have great potential to increase student learning. It's our challenge to develop ways to integrate this into the curriculum to better prepare our students for the 21st century to foster student achievement.

Stay tuned...