MAT Students and Blogging

Gratified, pleased, impressed....Reading the MAT blogs more than supported my decision to include blogging as an assignment. Yes, there were a few negative remarks--time, interest, lack of technology support--but, overall, reflections were positive. Most of them were challenged to stretch beyond their comfort zone. Some even implemented inovative practices in their classrooms. From my perspective, one of the most valuable outcomes was to hear so many of them say, "I felt connected." Reading that others were going through similar stressful situations in their intial semester of teaching, helped some to know they were not alone. Seeing pictures of classrooms and students gave a "realness" to the online environment. Overall, I can say that I think this was a good assignment, one that I will continue. Hopefully, many will continue blogging throughout next semester. Some have realized the value of looking back at earlier postings and realizing how they have already changed as a teacher. I can only imagine the growth they will see as they continue to document their first year experience.