Why+read+blogs?

A **blog** (a contraction of "**web log**") is a website, maintained by an individual or by several people //with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning// //to maintain or add content to a blog.//

//Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal [|online diaries]. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs.// ([|Wikipedia])

Bloggers may include a variety of embedded widgets (little program applications) in their blogs including interactive maps, calendars, videos, slides shows, etc.

One strategy to help with the regular reading of blogs is using RSS feeds to select and gather the blogs you want to read. Subscribing to a blog is usually as easy as looking for and clicking on a little orange image like the one below.

[|RSS in Plain English] media type="custom" key="1674051"


 * Tools for finding, aggregating, and reading blogs**
 * [|Google Reader]
 * [|Bloglines]
 * [|Rojo.com]
 * [|Pageflakes]
 * Blog search tools: for finding content in the blogosphere**
 * [|Technorati]
 * [|Google Blog Search]
 * [|Internet Public Library Blogs]
 * [|Bloglines]
 * [|Blogdigger]
 * [|Globe of Blogs]
 * [|BlogPulse]
 * [|TweetScan] (for searching Twitter)


 * Why should teachers read blogs?**
 * To keep up with breaking news in their profession via blogs of professional publications
 * To follow discoveries and reflections of blogging colleagues in the grade level or content area
 * To model information management and use in the 21st century for their students
 * To model the importance of evaluating information.


 * Why should students read blogs?**
 * To research questions of interest for their courses
 * To find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer questions [|AASL Standards]
 * To read, view, and listen for information presented in any format [|AASL Standards]
 * To evaluate information found in selected sources on the basis of accuracy, validity, appropriateness for needs, importance, and social and cultural context [|AASL Standards]
 * To make sense of information gathered from diverse sources by identifying misconceptions, main and supporting ideas, conflicting information, and point of view or bias [|AASL Standards]
 * To keep up with breaking news relating to their personal interests
 * To understand the availability of various perspectives available around any area of interest
 * To learn to control and manage the new information landscape
 * To learn the importance of evaluating information. To learn to importance of triangulation.
 * To maintain a critical stance by questioning the validity and accuracy of all information [|AASL Standards]
 * To maintain openness to new ideas by considering divergent opinions, changing opinions or conclusions when evidence supports change, and seeking information about new ideas encountered through academic or personal experiences [|AASL Standards]
 * To recognize that resources are created for a variety of purposes [|AASL Standards]
 * To identify own areas of interest [|AASL Standards]
 * To recognize limits of own personal knowledge [|AASL Standards]
 * To recognize how to focus efforts in personal learning [|AASL Standards]
 * To interpret new information based on cultural and social context [|AASL Standards]
 * To evaluate own ability to select resources that are engaging and appropriate for personal interests and needs [|AASL Standards]
 * To respond to literature and creative expressions of ideas in various formats and genres [|AASL Standards]
 * To connect ideas to own interests and previous knowledge and experience [|AASL Standards]
 * To use social networks and information tools to gather and share information [|AASL Standards]
 * To read widely and fluently to make connections with self, the world, and previous reading [|AASL Standards]
 * To demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning. ([|NETS*S])
 * To identify trends and forecast possibilities. ([|NETS*S])
 * To exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity. ([|NETS*S])
 * To collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions. ([|NETS*S])
 * To use multiple processes and diverse perspectives to explore alternative solutions. ([|NETS*S])
 * To evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks. ([|NETS*S])
 * To develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures. ([|NETS*S])


 * Why should librarians read blogs?**
 * To keep up with breaking news in their profession via blogs of professional publications
 * To keep up with emerging news and strategies in the worlds of education and libraries
 * To share new ideas and strategies with faculty members
 * To share information with student researchers


 * Why should administrators read blogs?**
 * To keep up with breaking news in their profession via blogs of professional publications
 * To learn about new instructional strategies and news in the blogs of fellow administrators and educators
 * To model information management and use in the 21st century for their faculties and students