Thing #4

Blogging on the internet creates a very interactive community. This would not be so without comments. Personally, I am a very introverted person and find myself reading many blogs and only commenting on a few. Over the last couple of months, I have started commenting on what others are writing and it opens up many doors to conversation with people all over the country (and even the world). I can converse with others about topics I am interested in, but the conversation only begins when I make a comment on a post someone else has written. If I do not leave a comment, I am choosing to allow the topic to end on my part. Commenting and beginning a conversation with another person can lead to new knowledge gained on various topics of interest.

Over the course of last night and this morning, I read through blogs (written on commenting) posted on the following blogs: Cool Cat Teacher, BlueSkunk, Brown's Thoughts, and ProBlogger. Each blogger posted in their own unique style, but they certainly had similar views on commenting on others' blogs. One of the points I found most interesting was that we should always have good manners when commenting on a blog post. It is really important to agree to disagree. It is ok to disagree with something someone has posted, but they are entitled to have their own opinions without have others attack them. In my opinion, as reflected in some way in the post about comments as well, it is always important to give positive feedback even when disagreeing. Let the blogger know that you hear what they are saying and respond to some of the good points even if you disagree. The second thing I thought was interesting was to make sure you have really read and understand the post made by the blogger before commenting. Don't just skim the post and think you understand. Take a few minutes to make sure you understand before commenting. Then, when you do comment, make sure the comment adds something to the post. Comment to show the reader that what you are reading is worth your time as well as the time and effort they put into it.

I have been reading several blogs throughout the day, and I find that there are many people in our class that have interesting ideas and each person has their own unique way of saying what they think. It's neat to see the thoughts of other people. One of the first posts I responded to was Lynette's post on how to use a blog in the classroom. She had some interesting ideas on how to apply what she has learned about blogs and I really like her style of sharing her thoughts. I will continue to add more as I make comments throughout the semester.

Edit: Blogs I've commented on -
1. Lynette: see above paragraph.
2. Lorrie: I really liked Lorrie's blog on the use of an animoto video. I think it was a great way to help the students get to know one another more! I also wanted to share, with her, a way I had thought we could use it.
3. Stacy: I found Stacy's Summary blog to be very in depth and interesting. She and I had come to some of the same conclusions by the end of the process, so I wanted to let her know that I had read and agreed with her.
4. Shawn: Shawn is not a member of our class, but she is a blogger that I read often. She blogs more on her spiritual journey and the ministries therein. I read a blog about parenting that I thought touched on how I feel about being a "school mom." I am not a mother, but my students sometimes tell me I am their school mom which challenges me to be a good role model and to guide them in my actions and attitudes. I commented on this blog to let Shawn know I was reading (I have not commented on her blog before.) and to let her know how much her insights help me from day to day.
5. Jenna: Jenna is a classmate from High School. I have been reading her blog for a while now, and I thought it was time to comment. Each of her blogs is filled with so much wisdom and encouragement for others. I wanted to let her know how much I appreciate her blog.
6. Elizabeth: I liked Elizabeth's post on Social Networking. She stressed the importance of keeping our students informed. I shared my opinion that it is important to keep ourselves informed in order to keep our students up on what's happening / can happen on these different social networking sites.