Some teachers are free to create blogs for educational purposes addressing the needs of students and parents. Like doctors adhering to the Hippocratic oath, teachers have a higher calling and rule of conduct to uphold. The modus operandi for teachers is heavily laden with legalese. In short it prohibits teachers from supporting any particular political cause/view on taxpayer time. Teachers are commissioned to act responsibly. Accountability cannot be avoided in the teaching profession.

It seems to me, common sense should prevail among teachers to use an unbiased approach in presenting blog content to their students. A teacher provide both sides of an issue. Isn’t the goal to create responsible,thinking citizens?

I also agree with Julia, above, who thinks discouraging teachers should be discouraged! After all, if a blog is a web log recording input over time, what difference does it make if this input creates a homework post, a teacher home page or a student forum? In the end it is a teaching tool and should be used responsibly by teachers.

Another way teachers see a blog is free and easy to use software for creating a classroom web page. This is a way to get teachers to create blogs and then move them forward into the “blogging” world.

I like what Tony states above — don’t discourage the teachers — come up with a descriptive adjective for their “blogging.”

Most teachers want the online newsletter as an entry point and often never go beyond this. I think it’s partly because they’re fearful and also because a large number of teachers are not all that reflective.

Equating a “blog” with “blogging” the verb is akin to the word “teach” and “teaching” Most of us would agree that writing an article or giving a lecture may not be teaching at least not very good teaching. Providing a hands on, interactive experience filled with opportunity to learn, question and explore is generally considered best practice.

Few educators would argue that point. I think in a few years, hopefully the same thing will happen with regards to blogging and other read/write tools.

It’s hard enough to get teachers to maintain a blog. But then to tell them they are not actually “blogging” only discourages them. Perhaps the kind of posting in blogs you refer to needs an adjective to go with it. Something like “connective blogging” or “reflective blogging” can be used to make the distinction…?

Unfortunately, I don’t always do the best job modeling myself (at my blog), but I’m often encouraging teachers – and often citing your perspective… that blogging starts with reading (or listening or watching), reflecting on what you’re learning, and then composing your thoughts on it… and hopefully getting feedback on it – and giving feedback to others.

I’m not sure it’s true of all your readers, but I read this blog for the inspiring crusade as much as any other reason.

-Mark

Will Richardson writes today about the difference between having a blog and “blogging.” He writes:
Ok, so here’s my beef, again. Blogs are powerful communication tools. Blogs are powerful publishing tools. But blogging (the verb) is still much more…

Blogging is more then communicating. It’s conversations, networking, story telling, commenting. It’s active and interactive.