Bud the Teacher

    We’ve reached the end of the experiment.
    I’ll be reflecting over the next few days — there’s been lots to think about and respond to.  For right now, I’d like to tell you a story. 
     Yesterday, one of our other English teachers had some questions about blogs and blogging.  She and I have been discussing technology off and on throughout the year, but there was always other stuff to do instead of passing her a glass of blog kool-aid.  But teachable moments happen at the best — and worst — times.  She stopped in for a minute and stayed for an hour. 
    It was wonderful.
    In that time, she quizzed my students on some great blogging questions, and they gave some fabulous answers.  It was pretty much a pop final for the blogsperimenters. 
    They aced it.
    One question worth mentioning was her question about what blogs can offer to shy or reluctant writers.  David answered, saying that when one starts a blog, no one is reading.  Over time, as the readers begin to find the blog, the writer begins to develop a level of comfort and confidence in blogging.  I had never thought about it like that.  Of course, I’ve said that a lot over the last six weeks.  I love that about teaching.
    By the end of the hour, the teacher had a blog.  She was convinced.  The blog’s not much to look at yet, but I know that when she gets some time she plans to explore.
    Score one for the bloggers.  I wonder what the next round of blogsperimenting will look like.  Actually, I’m beginning to figure it out — as you know if you’ve been listening to the podcast.         More on the future of my classroom in the days ahead.