Number FORE! of 23

• explain why commenting helps create a sense of community and interaction

Commenting causes blogging to become more of a conversation than an essay.  People want to know they've been heard when they are speaking to someone, and I believe for a writer it is no different.  Sometimes it is even more important to be "heard" when writing because you don't see a person's expression as they read, and you really don't know if they're "getting it".  By commenting a person can get clarification, affirmation, encouragement, and the blog can become a two-way street which can benefit the blogger and the commenting party.

• discuss two other points from the readings about commenting that you found important

I read the Edublogger and the How to Comment Like a King or Queen blogs on commenting, and from both I learned there has to be a clear communication in order for comments to be effective.  In the King blog, I learned to make a thoughtful comment related to the material in the blog or do not comment at all.  In the Edublogger blog, I learned sometimes it is necessary to pick and choose which comments to respond to, and which ones to leave alone.  A response to a comment can either make or break the success of a blog.

• give the names of the seven blogs (5 from our group + 2 others of your choice) you selected to read and comment on and tell why you selected them

I have chosen the following five class blogs to follow: Miss Michelle's 23 Things, Stephanie's 23 Things, Midlick's 23 Things, These are a few of my favorite things, and Ms. Emily Mount's 23 Things.  I chose these because they are five very different blogs and by commenting on such diverse blogs, I give myself practice on making effective comments in different situations.


The two blogs outside of class I chose are: Kidlit Junkie Tells All! which provides information to aspiring writers and the unspoken rules of etiquette with regard to communicating with the editorial/publishing world and Emerging Writers Network.  I chose these blogs because one is by an insider in the world of publishing and the Emerging Writers Network is filled with tips, encouragement, connections and other resources for those who wish to have their writings published.

• discuss the comments that you chose to make and why you made them

Comment on Emerging Writers Network:

There are two things in your blog to appreciate. First, The Cupboard, itself and second, Lorraine Nelson: A Biography In Post-It® Notes. I read the excerpts from Lorraine and it is genius! I believe it is a collection of thoughts that we all have, but they are never said and David Hawkins puts all of them down on paper using a person who does not exist so anyone can relate to her. I am looking forward to getting my own copy of Lorraine and looking at post-it notes a little bit differently.

Posted by: Kim Burnard | February 11, 2012 at 09:48 AM

http://emergingwriters.typepad.com/emerging_writers_network/2012/02/book-review-2012-001-lorraine-nelson-a-biography-in-post-it-notes-by-david-hawkins.html

This blog Emerging Writers Network is wonderful because it contains so much input from so many, and this particular blog post is so funny.  I wrote the comment I did because I appreciated the blog and what it was about.  It makes me want to subscribe to The Cupboard, and also to get a copy of Lorraine Nelson: A Biography in Post-it Notes.

The response I left on the Kidlit Junkie Tells All! blog was a thank you for her direct answers and providing information for people who love to write and may want to pursue the next level.  She knows a great deal and her delivery is humorous and clear.  I will be investigating this blog more in the days to come and although it's a little older, I'm anxious to see if maybe she will start writing newer blogs.
http://kidlitjunkie.blogspot.com/

Thing #3 outta 23

I can see how blogging could be extremely useful in a classroom because it provides a forum for feedback, expression, an on-line journal and also ways students can participate and be a part of something that reaches far into the world.  Blogging to be an educational resource and also to follow other educators who blog could bring a greater sense of community in the discipline of education in a way that could enhance lesson planning, ideas, and different strategies of presenting material to one's students.  I look forward to using blogging in my classroom as both a place where I can write and gain more knowledge, and also as a tool where my students can express themselves.

Thing 5 of 23 - Web 2.0

My thoughts about Web 2.0 are positive.  I appreciate that the internet has taken a direction that is pro-user and user friendly, especially in the area of educators.  The future of education with regard to Web 2.0 is very encouraging because it can provide opportunities for students who are technologically wired, and also opportunities for those students who are afraid the push of one button and all is lost.  It appears that those powers that be behind the creation of Web 2.0 and Teachers 2.0, are keeping those students and educators in mind who need a little more encouragement to branch out into the world of the web.  I know for myself, I have had much more positive experiences with the web at this stage of its existence that I ever did before.  I like technology - when it works - as a resource, and also to utilize it in the classroom to show our students all that the web can offer them besides games and pictures.

I look forward to further explore the difference facets the web has especially with regard to exceptional students become more comfortable with all that the web encompasses and how far they are willing to dive into it.  I know how much I appreciate the changes the web masters have made in making the web a kinder and gentle environment to navigate, so I can only imagine how my exceptional students would enjoy stretching themselves into areas they did not thing were made for them.

Thing numero dos

Setting up my blogspot for the 23 things was much more challenging than I anticipated, ONLY because I wanted to get my avatar and background just right.  I am still not committed to either, but I am letting them grow on me at this point, but I am open to change.  I have an existing blog about the goings on in my classroom, so the concept of blogging is not new to me, however, this blog is about my thoughts and not about the actions, anecdotes or shenanigans of my students, and that is an adjustment. 

I have no doubt these blogs will aid in the learning process, as well as, cause me to reflect more on the material, instruction and what I plan to do with what I learn.  Technology has added so much to the discipline of education, and it appears to be one of those, "fasten your seat belt, you're in for quite a ride" type of situations.

How did you decide on your posting name and the name of your blog?

The kids in the classroom in which I work, are all exceptional high school students who live here in Clarksville, and when they say "Kim" it comes out as "Keem" so therefore, I took their lead and named my blog, "Miss Keem's 23 Things for 5540".

What was your experience in creating the blog? Was it hard for you or easy? Why?

My blog creating experience was fun because I had created a blog before, BUT I still can get all turned around and forget where to find certain things in the deeper workings of the blog such as editing or modifying the design.  Setting up a blog is exciting because it's new.  Kind of like Christmas morning or new snow, you can't be too sure what's coming next.

How does your avatar reflect your personality? Did you create an avatar that looks like your real self or someone totally different? Why?

I tried to make my avatar somewhat close to myself.  I love the beach, so that is my background.  I have three dogs, so I added a dog with  my at the beach, and I think it's a laid back "just go with it" kind of avatar, and I have learned in my years on the earth that the more one can "just go with it" the more one can experience moments of unexpected wonderful.

Miss Keem's 1 out of 23 - Successful Lifelong Learning

When I first looked at this PowerPoint, the phrase that struck me right away was, "Attitude is everything!" Which I am definitely and have definitely been aware of for most of my life, but it is also a very easy principle to forget.  So having reestablished that attitude is everything, I proceeded to look at the PowerPoint keeping the easiest and hardest habits in mind.

I believe that Habit no. 2, "Accept responsibility for your own learning", is the easiest habit for me because my education and my success in my educational endeavors all belong to me.  Every good grade or accolade I receive is because I have put in the effort to ensure my accomplishments are successful.  I must admit, I love this part of education because no one can take those accomplishments away from me, and I can be proud of myself because, "I did it."

Conversely, Habit no. 4, "Have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner" is the hardest for me.  When I graduated with my bachelors in 2010, on the 24-year plan, I graduated with Honors.  Well, I was shocked that I, me the sister who did not exactly blaze an academic trail in high school or my early years of college, graduated with Honors.  No one in my family, in any way, was surprised!  I thought, "How can you not be surprised? This is me we're talking about?" It is the same in graduate school.  I made A's and I'm completely floored.  I share the news with my family, and I get a resounding, "We're not surprised."  "Of course, you have that GPA!"  I cannot help but be shocked every time I get a good grade, or glowing remarks on a project or any kind of reinforcement that tells me, "I can do this."  So, yes, I would have to say my confidence in my competence as a learner is an area I definitely need to cultivate and accept.