Thing 4

Commenting is key to conversation. If we all sat around making comments and noone ever responded then we would only be talking to ourselves. Same scenerio in the blog world. We can post our ideas and thoughts all day long but if noone ever responds then what is the point?? By commenting we allow others to gain feedback and knowledge on topics that share importance to us and that gives a sense of community. I read over the blog from Coolcat Teacher and ProBlogger, both seemed to have a common consensus that commenting is essential to a successful blog. Two other points I found important: were making sure that you follow up on comments that are left on your blog and making sure that you post comments that are constructive to the writer.

My Seven Blogs
#1-Lauren Blake-Thing 5: I selected this blog because I thought it had an interesting perspective on how technology is taking over the classroom. I left Lauren with a comment about how technology in the classroom can sometimes be scary when thinking of all the things children don't learn because they can merely depend on those technological advances.(ex: mult charts, spell check, verbal communication, etc.)
#2-Heather Wilson-Thing 2: I selected this blog because I thought Heathers comment on how she created her avatar was amusing. I thought that it was clever that she decided to select her clothing as a way to convey her personality; matching up the fiery red high heels business look with the hole-in the-jeans girl next door look. We also shared the experience of having a creative block when trying to come up with a unique name for our blog. Who would have thought naming a blog would be as stressful as naming a baby?!?
#3-Cory Fricke-Thing 1: I selected this blog because I had to agree with Cory and his passion to teach healthy habits to children. I shared with Cory that I struggled with teaching my 11yr old daughter healthy eating habits and that I commend him in his efforts to stress those habits to young children. Cory stated that he wanted to teach P.E. and I think that often physical ed teachers get hit with the "Lazy Card" because other teachers believe they sit around and play all day. However, I think that without P.E. some children would NEVER exercise or be made aware of healthy habits! So WORK IT OUT Cory!
#4-Courtney Kroupa-Thing 8: I selected this blog because Courntey found some really neat photo sites that displayed some artsy, creative, and fun ways to use photographs uploaded from your computer. I mentioned that I had yet to complete task number 8 but that I looked forward to getting around to tinkering with some of the websites she listed.
#5-Kate Gower-Thing 7: I selected this blog because I found that Kate had an interesting story behind the photo she posted. After giving a bit of background she mentioned that she wasnt sure how to incorporate such websites as flickr into teaching math in the classroom. I shared that I wasnt sure either but it would be interesting to see how you could!

When choosing my two outside blogs I tried to pick something that was personal and inspiring to me. I think that it would have been easier to just pick blogs about random day to day things but I felt that I wanted to see what kind of blogs are out there that can be powerful and inspirational!
With that I found two blogs: one of Wave3.com a KY news website and the other on gayrightswatch.com

#6-David M.Jarboe Jr. - The first blog I chose to write on, I found on wave3.com. The reason I picked it was because a coworker told me about his story Friday, Feb.4th, which also was the date he took his life. He had posted a long letter on facebook about how he had been sexually molested in the Catholic church in which he grew up in, naming those who did it, and then leaving last words to those who were close to him. I must say that I sat and read all six pages of his last words thinking to myself that we live in a place where technology is so advanced that now people can post on a website their last will and testament to the entire world? And this is not the first story that someones last words were posted on a blog or website and I am sure it wont be the last, but despite the sadness of the event it inspired me to write a comment on the newscast blog. I think that it made me feel that his death would not be in vein if I expressed my concerns about the church and what is going on as he would have wished for. More importantly that people HEARD him. I invite you to comment on this site.


#7-Prop 8 Lift-California Gay Marriage- This is the second blog I chose to write on. This blog discussed the recent decision to lift the ban on gay marriage in California. As of 8/18/11 couples of same sex will be able to marry under California state law. The reason I chose to write on this blog is because I strongly believe that everyone should have equal rights and freedom to chose who they marry. This can be a very hot topic and I like to read others view and opinions because I can respect both aspects. I think that blogs can provide a way for people to discuss things that are very sensitive in a manner in which is not confrontational. I also think that is a great resource for people to network with others who feel discriminated against, so that perhaps they dont feel alone in their struggles and battles.