#TOSAChat is a chat on Twitter every Monday night at 8pm PST for TOSAs (teachers on special assignment), including all edtech and instructional coaches.
Hello! I'm Bhavini, Tech TOSA in Palm Springs. My team's blog is https://t.co/KSCnvJuS8Q. We all take turns blogging for our district. I hope to start my own blog soon. #tosachat
Yes, definitely. We all have different styles so it appeals to a wider audience. Also takes the pressure off of having to maintain it all on our own. #tosachat
Jeremy in Conn., parent, communications manager for an education agency, family engagement/digital citizenship advocate. My profile has a link to a blog that, uh, I used to do. I've written other posts here and there but not on one consistent blog. Hope to change that. #TOSAchat
Hey #TOSAchat. Steph Rothstein from Los Gatos, CA. I’m a TOSA, Yearbook Adviser, New Tech Dept Chair and English Teacher. Phew! Love @JakeMillerTech’s blog: https://t.co/5QpLOttGNZ. I’m kind of geeking out over it. Also love my TOSA in Crime’s #1coolthing.
A1: Blogging is a type of online journal where one can share their ideas, resources, thoughts, and reflections. Blogging is valuable as others can learn from one other's experiences. Blogging helps us reflect on our own practice. #tosachat
A1 - blogging is a two-way place to share your ideas. I think it's valuable because it's open to everyone and brings voices to the table that wouldn't be there in traditional publications. #tosachat
A1: Blogging is a type of online journal where one can share their ideas, resources, thoughts, and reflections. Blogging is valuable as others can learn from one other's experiences. Blogging helps us reflect on our own practice. #tosachat
A1: Blogging is taking your thoughts, any thoughts, and putting them out into the digital world. Blogging has been valuable for me in forcing me to reflect in a more meaningful way. I am hoping it makes me better at my job. #tosachat
I remember getting a letter to the editor published in my hometown newspaper once. With a blog, no need to rely on the newspaper or someone else publishing your work when you can do it yourself! #tosachat
A2: Blogging is writing online and posting but it can take so many forms. Some are personal blogs, others connect you to a community. I just had my students make travel blogs where they flow they follow the path of Odysseus. It is current, real world writing. #TOSAchat
A2: I don't think it matters if you are writing just to write, but if you want a specific audience to read, cater to that audience. I don't expect those frequenting ESPN to read when I'm writing about education #tosachat
A1: Blogging is taking your thoughts, any thoughts, and putting them out into the digital world. Blogging has been valuable for me in forcing me to reflect in a more meaningful way. I am hoping it makes me better at my job. #tosachat
It depends on your purpose for blogging. If you are doing it to share with a certain group then paying attention to your audience matters. If it's just for you then it doesn't matter. #TOSAChat
A2. Unless you are looking to monetize the blog... the blog is for the writer not the reader. I use mine to articulate and clarify my philosophies and ideas. #TOSAchat
A2: As others mentioned in their response to A1, it may be an online journal. If the blog is meant for reflection then the audience is not as an important. Audience can matter tho depending on your goals. #tosachat
A2 - um....this one has me thinking. I do(n't) think the audience matters. I guess it does sharpen your ideas when thinking about what an audience would want to know but at the same time the mere process of writing helps me reflect and grow #tosachat
I agree with this. Having so many more voices to hear from gives us so many more opportunities to learn from and connect with others and to not feel so alone. #TOSAChat
A1: Blogging is what you make it. Essay writing, journalism, reports... I use it as a communication tool to Ts, parents, Ss... and I blog away from my edu-sphere as well. Former journalist here. #tosachat#wheresmsrnow
A2 yes & no. It helps to have a focus so ppl know what to expect, but on LinkedIn, I'd go from #accessibility to tech tools to random thoughts so my blog may do the same. It depends on if you are writing it for you w/hopes of others reading or writing for others. #tosachat
A2: The audience matters if you are blogging to share ideas, resources your learning with other educators. If you are simply blogging to express yourself then you are writing for yourself and the audience doesn't matter. #tosachat
A2. I have been studying ways to drive traffic to my blog/website....The more I learn the more I realize that great content will create the brand...not the other way around. #TOSAchat AND https://t.co/ZknUWCz5cr
I learned from @PrincipalUMS that blogging can humanize administrators. Blogging is important to the community because who doesn’t want to learn more about the leader of the school? Blogging is valuable because it allows every individual to express themselves.
A1: Blogging is writing online - getting your thoughts out to a very specific audience. It's a valuable form of writing because it tends to be personal and reflective in nature - which tells us a lot about our writers! #tosachat
I agree with your point. If we, as bloggers, are always trying to cater to the reader or audience, we will never feel accomplished. If we write for ourselves, we get our words down without reservations. #tosachat
A2) It depends on what your purpose is. Maybe you just want to write, and the audience finds you. If you want to share specific strategies, or want to persuade, it's best to have an audience in mind. Consider what they'd need to know or want to hear about. #TOSAchat
Agreed. I feel less pressure and I feel the support of my team with our blog. @EdTechEddie and @MissUrsy are great partners in crime and always provide valuable feedback! #tosachat
In reply to
@MrMikeKauf, @KarlyMoura, @TosaChat, @EdTechEddie, @MissUrsy
A2. Unless you are looking to monetize the blog... the blog is for the writer not the reader. I use mine to articulate and clarify my philosophies and ideas. #TOSAchat
What's more. I have totally given up on polishing my thoughts. I was writing once every month or two because I was busy editing...Now I write directly in the publisher and kick my thoughts into cyberspace. #TOSAchat
A2. Unless you are looking to monetize the blog... the blog is for the writer not the reader. I use mine to articulate and clarify my philosophies and ideas. #TOSAchat
I agree with that Joe. I feel like twitter gives me that voice. It doesn’t let me go to deep but I can keep up with discussions and share info. #TOSAchat
I do for sure. When I write posts that are just recapping a unit/project with the intention to share resources/ideas, I think a lot about what another teacher would want to know to be able to use this in their class. #tosachat
That’s my goal as well. As a former instructional coach I was able to post about once a month. As a first year admin, it’s been harder to find the time. #tosachat
A2: I think audience matters. I'm not going to write posts about my cat on my teacher blog...nobody would care. I definitely tailor what I write about because I know who's going to read it. You need to engage them in topics that interest them and that are relatable. #tosachat
I like to think of my blog as a way to speak as I normally would. Rarely do I come across as fully polished. I clean things up and clarify so they don't come out awkwardly, and I'm a stickler for proper grammar and such, but I usually takes me less than an hour #tosachat
ISTE's #ETcoaches has blogging buddies. I just got my group. They put us in groups of 5 with a commitment to comment on each other's blogs once a month. #tosachat
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @JeremyDBond, @MrMikeKauf, @Msbpatel, @KarlyMoura, @TosaChat
A2: I have different blogs for different audiences. One for educators, one for Ss and families, one for non-edu reviews, one for gathering thoughts and sharing life stories. #tosachat
Good for you on the Admin Journey. My blog, podcast, and thought of the day are all tied to the "thought of the day" I put out to my entire school district every day. We must find a way to leverage our time and relate everything we do to student achievement. #tosachat
A3 I looked at Wix and Weebly before deciding on WordPress. Free and i found it pretty user-friendly. #tosachat I also looked at other Ed tech blogs for ideas and layouts.
A3: I use Blogger, a very user-friendly Google-based blogging tool, I know a lot of people that also swear by Wordpress. Either way, you can quickly and easily create a visually appealing and effective blog! I also bought a domain from GoDaddy to make it easier to share #tosachat
A3: I think the most valuable thing for me has been to read other edcator's blogs. Finding your voice is a journey and I am glad to still be looking for mine. #tosachat
A3 - I get lots of inspiration from other blogs that I admire. When I set mine up I spent weeks looking over tons of blogs and finding out what I liked and what spoke to me. #tosachat
I've slacked on all fronts and it is a disappointment. I need to get back to all of it. I have 4 blogs and #CCCUE social media/communications commitments all needing attention and love right now. #tosachat#wheresmsrnow#BetterTogether
Joe I'm planning to curate the chat tonight using @Wakelet. I will send you the link. Nyree will be a fantastic tutor. Can I join if you guys GHO or something? #TOSAChat
In reply to
@Jyoung1219, @iluvteaching72, @MrsLeTran, @wakelet, @wakelet
I love that. I feel like my thoughts are really the most important part of the content. People thatvare on the journey with you will get over the editing mistakes. #TOSAchat
In reply to
@EdTechEddie, @nick_schumacher, @Jyoung1219
A3: I think that the best thing to do (if you want to get started blogging) is to look at the bloggers you follow/admire/are inspired by. Reach out to them. Ask questions. I've been blogging since 6th grade & love sharing the ins & outs with newbies. #tosachat
A3: I have not started my own blog yet. For our collaborative blog we use our district department page. Honestly, not a fan. Need to spend time exploring others' blogs and get inspired and get over my fears and start my own blog. #tosachat
Beginning of the year is always tough. In fact, I'm almost done with a blog post titled The Why of the Busy Season that focuses on professional development especially during the beginning of the year #tosachat
Yes! I felt paralyzed until I could envision what I wanted it to be. And of course now, I am ready for an update because there are some changes I want to make! #TOSAchat
I put together a year and a half of content before I published my blog/website...I have yet to publish the early stuff...I was too self conscious about "what if no one likes my thoughts/ideas" Silly me. #tosachat
In reply to
@iluvteaching72, @EdTechEddie, @Jyoung1219
At the time of launch...I had two professional mentors...one said jump and build your wings on the way down...the second said "be careful of the content you product"
In retrospect...I am working on the wings. #tosachat
In reply to
@EdTechEddie, @iluvteaching72, @Jyoung1219
Joining #TOSAchat late tonight. I’m instructional coach. I love blogging, but struggled with maintaining. Last post coincided with my daughter’s birth. 2 years ago “Mr.Orre’s Evolving Education.” I'd love to get it going again, just hard to find the time https://t.co/zZQbl6gq1x
A4 - I am interested in hearing what others have to say. I know how important it's been for me to spend the time writing out my ideas. However, when I'm busy, it's the first thing to go and I still feel guilty spending "school time" writing #tosachat
No, I write on my own. I host it on Wordpress. I think it's time for a redesign but I haven't been able to get going with it. I agree it would be fun to write with someone. #tosachat
A4: @gcouros talks about how reflection through blogging impacted his school site. I can imagine that if an entire school site focused on reflecting it would improve many aspects of their education. #tosachat
A4: We are a resource and it is one way to provide professional development. I think it's also modeling good teaching practice as a lifetime learner. #TOSAchat
A4: I try to blog every 1-2 weeks, it's a reflection on my practice, new tech tools, and sometimes parts of my personal life that intertwine with my professional life. By simply taking time to write, you can incorporate into your practice #tosachat
@MrsBarnett_Tchr and I have talked about this with material for our blog. We figured someone, somewhere is bound to connect with something - even in the tiniest respect - to something we blog (and care about). No ideas are silly ideas when they matter to you. #tosachat
In reply to
@nick_schumacher, @iluvteaching72, @EdTechEddie, @Jyoung1219, @MrsBarnett_Tchr
A4 I should use blogging as a place to simply reflect out loud. Right now, it serves as a periodic brain dump to clear my head. I guess both work. #tosachat
What up Eduardo? Used to have them do lots of different things with their blogs. We got into a lot of reviews. Learning how to think and critique something with a purpose (movies, music, YouTubers, sports...) That type of stuff. #tosachat
A4. As a principal, I tried to use my "blog" to communicate with the families of our school. I felt I sounded pompous.
BUT. Just assume the families of the kids in your district read every word you publish.
#tosachat
That is true. My blog feels like it is more for me than others. I would love to get feeback but really it helps me reflect and focus on what I am working on. #tosachat
In reply to
@KristinOropeza, @nick_schumacher, @iluvteaching72, @Jyoung1219, @MrsBarnett_Tchr
A4: I started blogging as a Ts for Ts to document my implementation of a project that involved Ss blogs. It scared me, but felt if I was having Ss do it, I should try it to. It was a great tool to document my thought process throughout. Actually used it for PD later #TOSAChat
A4: It can become a part of our daily (or weekly) life. One step at a time. We can use it with Ss, not just for Ss. Collaboration too! I do a session on blogging for MS Ss at a local annual writing con. #tosachat
A4: Sharing is caring. As we support teachers, we can incorporate blogging into our practice for various things such as tutorials, reviews, reflections on lessons, sharing resources etc. We can share our journey with other educators. #tosachat
A3 Wix, Blogger, Weebly are great for starting because they do guide you through. Blogging can be your place to process and post. First step is what do you want to share abd to whom? What's your why abd message. I read/watched this to help me: https://t.co/pOrVhAQs9t#TOSAchat
A4 - I am interested in hearing what others have to say. I know how important it's been for me to spend the time writing out my ideas. However, when I'm busy, it's the first thing to go and I still feel guilty spending "school time" writing #tosachat
That's it! And we even got mentioned on one of the YouTube vlogs we reviewed which made our blogging really real for my students. Highlight of the year for sure! #TOSAchat
A4: I always wanted to get a classroom blog up and running but it never happened. I'm hoping that I am able to do some of the more "creative" projects I have (like a classroom or student collaborative blog) in my new position. #tosachat
Q5 Experienced bloggers: What advice do you have for others?
New bloggers: What questions do you have as you venture into the blogging world? #tosachat@KarlyMoura
I've noticed as I've been creating blog posts it has helped me reflect (I think sometimes it is for ourselves in hopes that it can either help others or others can relate which then creates a connection) #tosachat
In reply to
@EdTechEddie, @KristinOropeza, @nick_schumacher, @iluvteaching72, @Jyoung1219
That has happened to me. I was quite upset for a time but took it as an opportunity to reflect on my purpose and try to take it as a learning experience. #TOSAChat
In reply to
@nick_schumacher, @MrMikeKauf, @EdTechEddie, @iluvteaching72, @Jyoung1219
Q5 Experienced bloggers: What advice do you have for others?
New bloggers: What questions do you have as you venture into the blogging world? #tosachat@KarlyMoura
A4: I feel like as a TOSA, using a blog could be really powerful. Document what we’re doing, highlight tips and tricks we share with colleagues. Others could benefit from it, I think. #TOSAchat
Hey all, Darren from VA, finally made it in on one of these! #tosachat A5: The best thing for blogging is to stick to a publishing schedule religiously.
This happened to me when I wrote for my college newspaper. The experience almost made me not want to share my writing publicly for fear I would get criticized again. What a learning opportunity though. Ss need to speak their truth & be ready for push back. #tosachat
In reply to
@nick_schumacher, @MrMikeKauf, @EdTechEddie, @iluvteaching72, @Jyoung1219
OK, I have to ask: How do you find the time? How often do you post on each one? 'Cause I have different interests and would love to separate them out, but fear they'd all be sparse. #TOSAchat
A5: The great @Chclteteacher and @weberswords of @trustahoodlum presented a session at #cuenv18 this past weekend about creating your brand. Once you get that blog off the ground, brand it! Create your logo, get a domain, promote it, get your voice out there! #tosachat
Q5 Experienced bloggers: What advice do you have for others?
New bloggers: What questions do you have as you venture into the blogging world? #tosachat@KarlyMoura
Hmmm I like this. Often I write about topics I already know about and want to share. I need to try to write about things I don't know so much about and want to learn from. #TOSAChat
I’d consider myself a novice/intermediate, but my advice would be to just jump in and don’t try to be perfect. Think about who your audience is, and go for it! Each time you get better and more comfortable #TOSAchat
Q5 Experienced bloggers: What advice do you have for others?
New bloggers: What questions do you have as you venture into the blogging world? #tosachat@KarlyMoura
A5 Start writing for a known audience. FB is a good place to get some early reads. You can have some colleagues co-author or guest author too. They'll share out to their peeps. #tosachat
A5: As I once told @rachelmarker you just have to start. Don't wait for perfection or "the right moment." Take a thought, write it, and share it out. Some posts are better than others. Don't sweat it. Just do it. #tosachat#wheresmsrnow#eduawesome#adventure
A5: My advice to those jumping in - JUMP! Write about what makes you happy, what you care about. Others will see, follow, & be inspired. Don't work about the "prettiness" of the blog. Just write...and keep writing! #micdrop#tosachat
I sometimes plan out a post, but most of them just come to me. Sometimes so I don't lose it, I have to stop and put a note in Google Keep or create the post and name it so I don't forget! #tosachat
Sometimes I just start the blog post but leave it in draft form. My blog drafts are a wasteland of stream of consciousness and almost edtech tutorials. #tosachat
New to blogging but don’t know where to start. Purpose: weekly reflection on technology integration and the tools I used that week. I tried to reflect on Twitter and soon found I run out of space. I want to be able to put student samples, videos etc. Any suggestions?
My goal is to integrate my blog with podcast. I love when podcasts post their show notes and reflect on the show. More than a sure, a blog gives a places for your thoughts and voice. #TOSAchat
That is true. My blog feels like it is more for me than others. I would love to get feeback but really it helps me reflect and focus on what I am working on. #tosachat
In reply to
@KristinOropeza, @nick_schumacher, @iluvteaching72, @Jyoung1219, @MrsBarnett_Tchr
#tosachat both, but pace yourself, if you're not ready to do more than say, a weekly or bi-weekly post, don't burden yourself. These things are a long game.
When a colleague and I shared a blog we edited each other's work, and it helped me a lot. Maybe to keep things flowing, some of us could have a blog that's more free association and another more rarely published blog to work toward perfection. #TOSAchat
In reply to
@AndersonEdTech, @nick_schumacher, @Jyoung1219
I'm a happy sharer, but sometimes when I think I have a great idea, it can feel like I'm holding 100 dollar bills that no one wants when I don't hear feedback. One thing has been clicked in about 55 countries over 15k times and I've heard from less than a dozen ppl. #tosachat
Time is a struggle for me. I have more posts written in my head right now than I can count. I started my 2 personal blogs before I became a FT teacher and connected educator. #TheStruggleIsReal#tosachat#wheresmsrnow
Make sure you stay tuned for Q6 where we get a chance to pair up and get some blogging buddies to help us get started or reignite those neglected blogs! #TOSAChat
I get very little feedback on my blog. I'll get retweets or likes in places where I share it, but not a whole lot of interaction on the posts. Perhaps it's partly because of my content, but I definitely wish I was sparking more discussion. #tosachat
Q6 BLOGGING BUDDY TIME!
The best way to get started or to re-energize your blog is to get a blogging buddy!
Fill out the form and we will get you paired up!
https://t.co/QfMjR2igKk#tosachat@KarlyMoura
I have felt this way too. And sharing on both twitter and a blog feel like I’m talking into an echo chamber. I think you have to focus on the value you gain from writing the blog. If others benefit, then others benefit, but that’s not the only reason you do it. #TOSAchat
I started a (very poor quality) instructional vlog for some of my faculty wanting to grow with #googlesuite I modeled taking risks and trying new strategies/techniques while getting a little instruction done for our staff. #tosachat
In reply to
@MrMikeKauf, @KristinOropeza, @EdTechEddie, @iluvteaching72, @Jyoung1219
Q6 BLOGGING BUDDY TIME!
The best way to get started or to re-energize your blog is to get a blogging buddy!
Fill out the form and we will get you paired up!
https://t.co/QfMjR2igKk#tosachat@KarlyMoura
Q6 BLOGGING BUDDY TIME!
The best way to get started or to re-energize your blog is to get a blogging buddy!
Fill out the form and we will get you paired up!
https://t.co/QfMjR2igKk#tosachat@KarlyMoura
#tosachat I think that's become the norm. I don't think people see blogs as interactive forums like they used to. For me, when I check my analytics I'm happy to see my work getting read.
In reply to
@peerlessgreen, @Filibuster3, @EdTechEddie
Q6 BLOGGING BUDDY TIME!
The best way to get started or to re-energize your blog is to get a blogging buddy!
Fill out the form and we will get you paired up!
https://t.co/QfMjR2igKk#tosachat@KarlyMoura
That's usually how I feel, but some stuff I've learned is pretty cool and I want to shout about it. :) Like when I saw Microsoft's #learningtools and #immersivereader for the first time. #TOSAchat
Q6 BLOGGING BUDDY TIME!
The best way to get started or to re-energize your blog is to get a blogging buddy!
Fill out the form and we will get you paired up!
https://t.co/QfMjR2igKk#tosachat@KarlyMoura
Was thinking about the echo chamber comment. What if instead of thinking of blogging that way, we thought about it as burying treasures for others to find? Just thinking of how to reframe the narrative... #tosachat
Q6 BLOGGING BUDDY TIME!
The best way to get started or to re-energize your blog is to get a blogging buddy!
Fill out the form and we will get you paired up!
https://t.co/QfMjR2igKk#tosachat@KarlyMoura
BTW, You can have lots of partial blog posts. If you have an idea, go to your blog and write out some of your ideas. You don’t have to publish it. Circle back to it later. Publish later. Or just publish it as part 1. To be continued later (might bring readers back) #TOSAchat
