There is a reason why Will Richardson described blogging as a a "Read, Write" technology. The more we interact with our readers and the blogs that we read the more information that is passed and the more learning that takes place. It enhances our growth as both an individual, as a student, as a teacher and as a techno-user/learner.
I discovered this first hand while commenting on a fellow teachers blog, Mr. Resendez. He teaches high school astronomy and physics and posted an article about and picture of an impressively clear image taken from a telescope of Saturn. He was comparing how it weighed against digital animation of celestial images in movies. While commenting I mentioned he should share this with his students and use it as a step towards discussing where the color in the image derives.
Most people are not aware, but the color in pictures taken from space is added later based upon the wavelengths of light reflected from atmospheric and surface compositions of planets and other celestial figures. That's when it
DAWNED on me (like an
Oprah Aha Moment?). I had been talking with the art teacher earlier, Ms. Martinez, and she was showing me some of her art from her sketch book. She showed me the perfect thing at the perfect time for our astronomy students.
ART INTEGRATION IDEA:
1. Students find an image of a planet (or other object) taken from a telescope still in black and white
2. They determine the elemental composition of the surface and atmosphere and the wavelengths (colors)
associated with each.
3. The students lay a piece of tissue paper on the image and color some of the darker wavelengths that will appear.
4. Students lay a second piece of tissue paper down and color more of the colors that will appear in their proper locations.
5. Finally, if a 3rd tissue is needed, they lay it on top and color some of the lighter colors that will appear.
When laying all three tissues down on top of the telescopic image, they should have their final product proving they are both an artist and a scientist.
All that from commenting on his blog. Here are other reasons to comment:
A) While commenting on the 4th and 7th grade teachers blogs I realized I had a better idea of what was happening around our school and am better prepared to describe our school to other potential families that may attend our school and pass by on a tour.
B) Reading and commenting allows for PLCs to take place in a new way. We not only hear what other teachers are doing in their classrooms, but also can now tie it back into our own lessons: CROSS CURRICULUM TEACHING.
C) If the students are commenting on another teachers blog I am reading and commenting on I can interact with them and it creates a greater sense of unity within the school and strengthens my relationship with that student. I also gain insight on more of their character and abilities as a student.
D) Fundraising. Money flows when people are following your blog and actively commenting on your blog. Show me the money!!
E) It makes me feel good when I know you're listening. Look, everyone wants support and this is an easy way to show it to your colleagues.
F) Reaching out. Not everyone in Mr. Bryant's blog audience is going to be in mine. But I have a better shot at reaching them by commenting on his blog. I think it was James Earl Jones that said, "If you comment, they will come." I want as big an audience as I can get and vice versa. If a student has a question and I can't answer it well enough, I want them to realize Mr. B's blog is a click away and he may better explain the answer, or have a resource for them on his site.
Why do you think it's important to comment on other blogs? Please, do share!
