For some time now I have been thinking about whether I should embark on writing a regular blog. I have finally taken the plunge. Why?
I was hesitant about doing so because I was concerned that no-one would be particularly interested in reading my thoughts on a variety of topics. Blogs always seemed quite self-indulgent to me and I guess this thought remains now, why else would I display my favourite books alongside my posts?
However, I recently dipped my toes in the water by joining Twitter. I have been amazed by the response to this, over 120 people have chosen to receive my random ramblings and I have had a number of interesting conversations with boys and parents about the contents of many of these. In addition, I have had extended conversations with a number of colleagues in different schools about topics of mutual interest. This is a powerful network of professionals keen to help in so many different ways. Their generosity of advice and support to a complete stranger and novice to Twitter has been amazing.
Through this network I have been exposed to many more blogs and I have been inspired by these to make a start myself. Twitter is great but the 140 character limit does restrict your ability to develop your thoughts and refer to other sources.
So to the future? What will I blog about? My aim is to use it to reflect on a variety of issues relating to education and the world in general. I aim to write on a regular basis and welcome feedback with ideas for future posts or comments on what I have posted.
One of the greatest challenges for any school and for any Headmaster is communication. We all realise its importance but in an organisation of over 1000 pupils and over 200 staff it can be hard to make sure that this is perfect all of the time. I hope that by setting a lead here and by being prepared to listen to the feedback I can play my part in ensuring that our communications are both timely and appropriate.
I am sure that people will tell me if the process becomes too self-indulgent but in our Year of Reading I hope that you will take a look at the book-shelf alongside this post. I will write more on my choices in the future.
So first post written and now to think about the next…
Thursday, 28 January 2010
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Hi Kevin, welcome to the edublogosphere! My first and only bit of advice would be to blog for yourself, not for anyone else. Discuss the things *you're* interested in and not what you think others will want to hear.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, if you want more readers, the easiest way is to comment on as many other people's blogs as possible (putting a link back to yours in the space provided).
I look forward to reading your ramblings! ;-)
An interesting first post, and a step that I know many others (including myself) have gone through. I worried at first if I was being self-indulgent (and frequently still do), but ultimately my blog IS written primarily for me. The process of writing down my thoughts and opinions often helps to crystalise them, and hopefully some of the posts are also useful to others - it certainly seems so from the occasional comment I receive.
ReplyDeleteAs a HT, I also think that a blog might help others (colleagues, parents, students) to gain an insight into some of the processes and factors behind decisions that might not otherwise be transparent. There are plenty of times when I'd love to know what my son's HT was thinking when she made a particular decision!
Welcome to the world of blogging! Be true to yourself, write about what you believe in.If you can inspire one more teacher to try something new, be creative or be innovative, then you know that your blog has been worthwhile. If you can keep one step ahead of your students with regard to ICT - well done!
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Dianne Spencer Headteacher at Heathfield Primary School Bolton
Hi Kevin, glad to see that you have taken the step from Twitter to a Blog. Agree with Doug - focus on the things you are interested in. I look forward to your thoughts on many issues and will show your blog to my Headmaster and ask him to do the same!
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you starting a blog Kevin, I look forward to keeping up to date with developments, thoughts and musings. Agree with Doug, blog what you feel is important. A great way of creating a more transparent architecture and hierarchy at work and a great way to get people involved from both in and outside of the organisation.
ReplyDeleteInterested to read your blog. I am sure that many of the boys and parents will appreciate that you are moving with the times although I am unsure if anyone would be interested to read anything I had to say!
ReplyDeleteKevin,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great example to us all. Still think you should set up a session with some of your techie six formers to help us with twitter. Happy to help you with apple stuff any time - just placed an order for the new ipad when it finally arrives, so will be REALLY appletastic ! Katie A