When I read an article in a journal, I often feel inclined to communicate with the author, particularly if I liked or was inspired or really, really disagreed with the piece.  But there are so many steps to go through to get that letter or e-mail out into the world.  One more advantage of blogging for my students, as I am discovering for myself, is that it becomes quite easy to hit an "e-mail me" link and quickly turn a one-way post into a two-way conversation. 
    Heck — such communication can also become a handy form of boosting readership for me — particularly when the person to whom you are writing decides to mention your blog in his or her own.  Such is the case with Will Richardson – who mentioned this blog on his yesterday.   By the way, he has a great feed of educational blogs — it’s worth taking a peek.   The excitement of seeing someone else responding to and acknowledging my little place on the Internet is, well, exciting. 
    I see once again why publishing my students work has so much potential for motivating them.  I am invigorated by the simplest of mentions.    #