Thing # 4

             Thing #4 asked me to blog about how commenting on blogs would create a sense of community.  Well, to be completely sure I was on the right track I looked up the word COMMUNITY in Webster's dictionary.  One of the definitions was very clear to me: c : an interacting population of various kinds of individuals (as species) in a common location. That's it!  A blog is the common location, and the comments are the interacting population.  A blog allows us to unite and discuss a certain topic.  We are free to agree or disagree.  The comment area allows us to share our beliefs and to become a part of a very large community. 
              Many bloggers have already posted about the community of blogging.  They also have left insightful information on how to leave a great comment.  Cool Cat Teacher blog says that to create a sense of community you should contribute to discussion.  Add some depth to your thought and post and leave a meaningful comment.  She also says that if you post you allow the blogger to feel they are heard.  PROBLOGGER leaves us with the message of interacting with comments left on our blog.  The author states that if have activity it leaves you with "blogger value."  The end goal is to up the activity by your replies and then back off and allow the activity to continue to grow. 
             I have read many blogs since day one of class.  After some time I have decided to follow those that surprised me and inspired me.  I enjoy the challenge of becoming a better person and feel these bloggers listed below will do just that!  
1. Desira Sheppards- She was the first to point out how a blog would help me as a growing professional.
2. Lowen Education- Her positive attitude attracted me to read and post!
3. Amber Law- This girl is inspirational and convincing! 
4.Chassity Halpin- She is insightful and a advocate of reading!
5.Holly Hudson- She makes points on creating a connection with everyday life to learning!
All of these ladies made great point and caught my attention.  I am not going to say that I will agree on everything they post throughout the semester, but I am looking forward to becoming part of their community. I hope to see growth from all of us as bloggers!
            The "professional" or "seasoned" bloggers I chose to follow was because they offered tools I thought I could use in the classroom.  The first was about free technology. Richard Byrne post about cool tech that would be useful for teachers and students.  My second choice was about how to think outside the box as teachers.  The innovative educator broadened my ideals on teaching in the classroom.
             This process has created a new community for me to thrive in.  I will be able to see so many point of views on various subjects.  I believe that this community will prepare me to be the best educator possible.  It will also give me a go to place when I am stuck!