How Might an Educational Leader Use Blogs?

I’m certain I will only hit the tip of this iceberg, but I have gathered a few ideas this week about how educational leaders can utilize blogs in their careers for a variety of purposes.  Blogs are great as tools for reflection, which is valuable to principals and other educators as well. This web 2.0 tool also creates the opportunity to gain input from others which can lead to rewarding collaboration. Blogging can even be used to set by the educational leader to show a continued love for learning.

In EDLD 5301, I am learning about action research particularly for educational leaders, but as a significant tool for all educators. A tremendously important aspect of action research is reflection. As one principal stated, “my blog permits me to ‘think big’ for an extended period of time…[and] it forces me to play with, develop, and challenge ideas in a way that makes learning interesting and engaging for me” (Dana, 2009). Basically, a blog allows educational leaders to keep on-going records of their original inquiries, thoughts, and ideas as they develop. With a blog, in addition to written expression, images and links to other blogs can be included which enhances the reflection activity.

I would venture to say all educators know the value of collaboration. Educational leaders can use blogs “to share [their] inquiry outside [their] school or district” (Dana). “Sharing [their] inquiry in the form of a blog automatically connects [them] to a large audience of principals” (Dana). The possibility of countless contributors exists if an open blog is used; however, some may prefer a blogging community closed to outsiders, thereby limiting the number of people who can add their comments. In essence, a blog in this situation could be considered a principal’s “personal learning community” (Dana).

In addition to these more traditional blog ideas for educational leaders, “principals can share their…blogging time with students to model a love of writing” (Dana). One principal in the text had a scheduled time each week when she would join some classes as they held a writer’s workshop. The students would see her blogging about her thoughts.

These are just a few ways educational leaders can take advantage of blogging, but all of them can result in far-reaching benefits.

REFERENCES:

Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.