Fete accompli! I'm quite happy with how Ocean Blogging 2.0: Expanding the Conversation turned out. That's the workshop Jason Robertshaw and I pulled together for the National Marine Educators Association annual conference here in Savannah. We had a great attendance (practically standing room only) of ocean educators who were interested in exploring how to get involved in ocean blogging. If we were successful, we might expect a new crop of ocean blogs to appear on the scene or maybe even more commenter's frequenting existing ocean blogs. Either way, as Martha Stewart might say, "It's a good thing!"
Participant evaluations indicate either agreement or strong agreement that Jason and I apparently knew our subject area (phew!), were well organized and prepared, presented information in an interesting manner, and provided useful information. Quite a few comments indicated that participants now see ocean blogs as a novel way to incorporate research and writing into their classrooms. That's very cool!
A few people wanted more time on the "how," that is tips and suggestions for those less technologically inclined. Also, classroom teachers were looking for specific ideas for incorporating blogs in their lesson plans. Good suggestions for ocean bloggers who are looking for new audiences.
Jason will be uploading a podcast of the fully narrated event over on Cephalopodcast (where you'll be able to savor my booming voice as it keeps educators awake for an early morning workshop).
3 comments:
I'm extremely interested to hear what ideas were aired for blogging at NMEA. I see them as a platform not just for sharing information but also sharing experience.. like an online field notebook! Can't wait to hear the podcast.
Congrats, Rick and Jason! We bloggers sometimes forget how novel this medium is to others. Its great that you guys are reaching out this way. Teachers need to know!
the blogging workshop was well attended and well received, but it was revealing to see and hear how few marine educators are absolutely unaware of what's available on the blogosphere...
peter's comments are spot on: those of us who blog forget how new it all is (and how potentially daunting it might seem for others to jump in)...
this gave us a lot of ideas for subsequent offerings at nmea... maybe a "part 1 and 2" blogging workshop series or even a "blogging lounge" each evening for anyone interested...
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