Tool #2: Building Community in the Online Environment

One of my college professors always told us that teaching is about "beg, borrowing and stealing"!  What do we do with our teammates and other teacher friends...oh yes we say things like, "Do you have...", "Can I borrow...", "Oh, wow that's a great idea.  I want to do that!"  Well the blogging world has enabled teachers from around the world to share ideas and let us get a peak inside their classrooms.  I LOVE reading teacher blogs and seeing new and creative ideas.  Teaching is getting a makeover!

I enjoy using Google Reader as it makes following my favorite blogs easier.  I get to see their updates in one places instead of going to my long (and disorganized I must admit) list of bookmarks.  Diigo sounds intriguing as well.  Also, commenting on other blogs is a great way to connect with each other and let others know if you need to beg, borrow, or "steal" from them.  I like visiting blogs like The Inspired Apple, The Grade Two Zoo, and Simply 2nd Resources.  Of course good ole Pinterest.com is always a growing obsession and helps spread the word of fantastic ideas.

Bloggity Blog Experience

I have found this blogging experience easy so far.  I have been blogging for the past year and a half.  So, creating the blog and my fun voki avatar has been quick and painless.