We've decided to launch a new part to the PiE site - our blog. This is basically where we'll post information on any updates to the site, any thoughts or ideas which don't quite merit a full-blown article on the site, and other information for staff and students involved in the project.
I'm definitely something of a beginner to blogging - and indeed perhaps something of a non-believer! This blog isn't likely to contain lots of deep and meaningful thoughts, but it will hopefully provide an easy way to keep up with the latest from PiE.
What is it you don't believe in about blogs? I don't know how it will fit in with the discussion boards of the LanguageZone, but it might give those who do not have access an opportunity to have a dialogue with those on The Inside...
Posted by: Ewan McIntosh | October 09, 2005 at 12:08 PM
Maybe "believe" is too strong. We've had this conversation many times in the "real" world, Ewan. It's not about the value of blogs, more about the thought that I can't really imagine people wanting to read about my own personal thoughts about things.
This kind of project blog is a bit different, I guess. In a way it's more like our own learning log (which I'm 100% behind!) and a tool for disseminating information. As you point out, it's intended also as a resource for those not on "The Inside" (your phrase!) to keep up to date with the developments of the project.
In line with your own comments on your SETT presentation (which I've been enjoying listening to) I'm finishing with a question in order to keep the discussion going! Do you think it's fair to say that blogs can be separated into different categories? If so, within the education world, is one category more valid/valuable than another? eg. Is the "here's my thought for the day" blog more or less valuable than "this is the way our project developing"?
Does this mean I"m becoming more of a blogger? Is being contentious par for the course?
Hmm. That's several questions now...
Posted by: mpentleton | October 09, 2005 at 03:52 PM
Lots of questions. Here are some answers from my point of view:
Do we have to be contentious in the real world to be heard? I would say, no, in my life, but I bet there are many situations where teenagers and adults differ here. I hear teenagers in the bus and on the street being contentious, going to extremes, to get their point across.
As for categories, blog posts can have many categories so that they can be found by different groups and each group's interest is stimulated. I think the best thing about a blog is that it needn't be cateogrised, neat and tidy. It's a running commentary, reflecting the real problems and successes as they come. The polished version comes when you write your book ;-)
Posted by: Ewan McIntosh | October 10, 2005 at 01:51 PM
Writing books? Don't give him ideas.
I think blogs are great, but do prefer those that have some kind of purpose, rather than random thoughts from someone's day - I think with most you would have to dip into now and then rather that try to keep up with every day.
Posted by: Lynne | October 10, 2005 at 04:35 PM