As a blogging virgin, I was interested to read in Stephen Downes’ article “Educational Blogging” (Downes, 2004) that one of the original definitions – and use – of blogging (by Barger) was linked to the idea of ‘logging’ webpages – and this appear to have now evolved into a combination of logging and keeping a journal. Blogging seems to me to be like a personal diary - a special interest diary where one’s experience of the web culture does seem to play a large part. I share Richard Long’s concern that blogging is a rather informal tool which may be contrived in an educational setting. In listing the use and benefits of blogging in an educational setting, what Downes doesn’t mention though is the creativity that it may bring – blogging is so much more than writing! I can say share my favourite album cover

or let you know where to find more http://porktornado.diaryland.com/albumcover.html

 and it makes me want to explore all sorts of possibilities – I would expect children and younger people would come up with so many new and creative ideas!

In Anne Bartlett-Bragg’s reading (Blogging to Learn, 2003), I was interested in the relationship between creator and audience in the stages he presents which I would summarise as such:

Stage 1 – blogger writes for the teacher

Stage 2 – blogger writes to an anonymous reader in cyberspace

Stage 3 – blogger writes for him/herself – no direct audience

Stage 4: Specific audience which is reflected upon

Stage 5: the audience can almsot become a new learner?

Now – which stage am I at? Well, at the moment, I do feel mostly like I am writing for myself which would put me at stage 3 according to Barlett-Bragg’s definition – audience? what audience? But it keeps it fun and light !

C