Cathy Nelson’s Professional Thoughts

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Dec 5th, 2011 by Cathy Jo Nelson

From the Edublog Award Blog - http://edublogawards.com/

That’s right people–it’s that time of year when the edubloggers clamor for the nominees and essentially campaign for their favorites to win. I missed the cut this year, not making any list as I have in the past. That’s okay, as my blogging just was not what it has been in the past. I blame Twitter and Facebook, especially Facebook, where I spent a lot of time this year sharing and caring. I do not blog for the awrds or recognition, but rather for authentic reflective practice. Regarding my Facebook presence, I’ve had a friend recently ask me, and I quote:

Can I turn in the time I spend combing through your Facebook posts as time spent in Professional Development?

She went on to thank me for so generously sharing there, and I have to admit, I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve just spread myself out there a little more. I still run this site and blog when something really strikes me, but I knew when I began this path would wind and turn according to my interests. I don’t beg forgiveness for that. This space serves my purpose well. Want to be my friend in Facebook? Come on over!

The EduBlogging World – Alive and Well; Strong!

From http://thefamily.com/?p=16218

So why post today? Well OMG (oh my gosh) have you seen the nominations for this year’s awards? I’m thinking it’s time to revisit the idea of presenting on cultivating a PLN, as my first foray into the concept was through the world of Blogging!! Many of those I consider real face to face friends today have made the various categories, but I swear, the new ones I was totally unfamiliar with have exploded! There are so many “new to me” blogs and more listed, I am setting up a folder in my reader called EdublogNominees11, and subscribing there. I’m astounded at the new voices I am discovering today.

Blogs – my new “One Tool at a Time” Topic

At school my colleague and I are doing short PD sessions modeled after the ISTE SIGMS webinar series called “One Tool at a Time.” I’ve been trying to decide what our next topic will be, and I think I have decided based on what I’m seeing here regarding the nominations. It’s time to introduce those joining me for this series to the power of PD from blogs through a reader!! The 2011 nominees are the PERFECT starting place for this session, so THANKS Sue Waters and the Edublog Awards folks for helping me make that decision.

How do I choose just one from the many categories??

Well, my plan of attack is to cruise through each category to truly get to know the virtual presence and assess for strengths and weaknesses. I will be looking at how easy it is to read the content, how it looks visually (mind you not all are blogs), and how well I can learn about that author (or authors.) I will be adding to my reader, and doing a read through in the reader as well. So obviously I have my homework cut out for me before I can vote. And I hate to admit this, but I’m SO READY to have some new voices in my reader that my votes will probably go to them this time instead of my favorite bloggers that already made the cut. I know those voices well–I’m looking for expansion baby!!

VOTE!!

Please take some time to vote. (From the Edublogs site: Voting is open until 11:59 PM US Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, December the 13th – and the winners will be announced at the Edublog Awards ceremony on the 14th at 7pm EST.)

Game on Santa!!
(Been watching way too many commercials–can you tell? Although discovering all these new voices and resources does feel a bit like Christmas, doesn’t it?)