#ETCoaches Blogging Buddies

Those of you who follow my blog will have probably noticed that I am in a routine of posting weekly, almost always on Sundays. I’ve pondered for a while whether I could realistically step this up to twice weekly. Blogging Buddies has just kicked off, so it seems like an ideal time to try! So, here’s my first mid-week post!

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has recently launched Blogging Buddies as part of the Ed Tech Coaches Network. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the programme, its aims and my blogging team. If you are interested in joining, it’s not too late. Click here for more information and to register.

Blogging Buddies is an opportunity to connect and learn with Ed Tech Coaches via blogs. The programme encourages bloggers to post at least once per month and comment on one another’s posts at least once per month. As you are probably aware, I am not an Ed Tech Coach. I’m just a PYP Year 4 teacher with an interest in authentic technology integration. Since I regularly blog about Ed Tech, I qualify for Blogging Buddies. My blog is not solely about technology though so you might want to filter everything else out by looking at my Ed Tech category. If you’re not sure whether or not you qualify, just ask like I did.

So, why join Blogging Buddies? Some participants have mentioned that the accountability keeps them motivated to blog. Others have just started blogging and want to build their audience. For me, and I suspect all of us, I joined because I value professional connections and learning. I talk about this all the time to anyone who will listen! I absolutely love learning from educators around the world and I am inspired every day. Blogging Buddies has already been worthwhile because it has introduced me to many more teachers who I did not previously follow. I look forward to interacting and collaborating with them via our blogs and social media.

I would like to introduce my readers to the complete list of bloggers. Please take the time to check them out and follow them to receive updates. However, it would take a very long time to list them all (50+ and counting) and the list is continuously growing anyway. The easiest way would be to check out the Twitter list. What a great bunch of edu bloggers!

I do, however, want to mention four special bloggers. These educators get a special shout out because they are in my Blogging Buddies team. I encourage you to follow the links and browse their hard work. Please also consider following their blogs, commenting, liking and sharing their posts. Let’s give these guys the recognition and encouragement that they deserve!

Carla Jefferson (@mrsjeff2u) – http://www.mrsjeff2u.com/

Jennifer Fischer (@JenFischer18) – http://jenerationed.weebly.com/

Gregory Gilmore (@gilmorega)  – http://blog.gilmoreg.net/

Brianna Hodges (@eduTECHtastic) – http://edutechtastic.com/

Once again, if you would like to participate in Blogging Buddies, click here. If you have considered blogging but haven’t yet started, now would be a great time to start. This supportive network could hugely benefit you. Bloggers only need to commit to one post per month to take part. As always, let me know if I can help you in any way.