To Blog or Not to Blog?

     Well, after somewhat of a leave from the blog world, Scott, thank you for your patience as I worked through some difficult family issues.  I think I'm back on track.
     As I begin to blog again, last week I experienced something that is most pertinent to what we do on this platform and others.  Last week I attended the New York State Council Of School Superintendent's Fall Conference in Saratoga, New York.  I was asked to be sit on a panel for a session titled, "Who stole my media"?  The panel included public relations coordinators from 2 districts, representatives from Gannett Papers in Westchester County, NY, New York Gannett Papers and me.  This was to be an interactive session with the audience regarding the changes in the media, specifically the use of blogs by newspapers, citizens and school districts.  While I know there are a few school superintendents that blog and I knew I was in the minority, I had no idea the paranoia the exists for school leaders around this media.
      The session began with a brief overview of how newspapers take headlines from the newpaper and create blogs to elicit feedback and commentary from its readers.  School district public relations coordinators are often asked and challenged to monitor blogs that may pertain to the school district they work for.  These public relations coordinators then advise the superintendent how to best respond.  Citizen journalism is on the rise.  Anyone with a computer and a valid e-mail address can begin a blog.  As they pertain to schools, these blogs may not always be a positive reflection of the school district.  Often, they become a platform for controversy leaving school districts feeling helpless in deflecting negative and at times, false accusations.  The panel moderator was a public relations specialist for New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA).  NYSSBA is often asked about board policy as it relates to blogs and seeks information and examples that can assist school districts.  Enter Neil Rochelle.  A Superintendent that participates in several blogs, has 3 blogs linked from the district's web page and advocates for blogging.  I have teachers that host blogs for their courses, students that blog for class assignments and as the entire nation is experiencing, I have hundreds of students that blog regularly on MySpace and FaceBook (by construct, they are blogs!).
      Needless to say, the reaction from the attendees was mixed.  I'd say they fell into three categories;  Those that think blogging can be a useful tool to communicate but are  hesitant due to the potential negative ramifications.  Those that are interested in how to "combat" blogs citizens host that set out to discredit the district, and those that are vehemently opposed to the notion that schools would even consider "falling into the trap of  such negative media". 
     I had to say that I have not had one negative experience since blogging.  I believe  that some of the negativity is a result of people's  nativity when it comes to blogging.  Concerns such as  comments that  include  vulgar language are easily addressed by moderating comments.  Many were unaware that this was possible.  I  agreed to participate on this panel not to convince people they  should blog, but to give a perspective  with respect to why I blog.
      I blog for several reasons.  The  unexpected  outcome of  blogging has to do with professional development and increased learning.  Since blogging and reading education-related blogs, I cannot  begin to quantify how much I have learned.  While my job provides plenty of reading material, I have probably read more in the last year than any other year.  I learn from teachers, from other administrators, from professors.  What is even more incredible is that I learn from people all over the globe.
      Another reason I blog is to share information.  As my district continues on a journey to transform how we educate 21st century learners, I blog our initiatives.  This serves to not only share information with others on the same journey but to keep parents, faculty and staff informed.  I have a blog that I use to keep our community informed of current events and situations that our school faces.  When we experienced a freak snow and ice storm a year ago that closed school for several days, I was able to keep the community informed about school events, closings and information about when school would re-open.  When the tragedy took place at Virginia Tech and parents had the safety of their children on their minds, I was able to blog about steps the school district takes in keeping our students safe.  Would a letter suffice?  Of course!  But a blog could go into much more detail with a personal perspective than any letter from the district.  Lastly, I began a blog where students could blog about their school.  Things they like, things they would like to see different.  This doesn't mean I don't speak to students on a regular basis.  I certainly do.  I also have a student cabinet I meet with monthly with two representatives from every grade from 5th to 12th grade. I share information about the district and our initiatives so they can be ambassadors and spread the word, they share concerns and rumors they hear around school.
      The point I was trying to make at this presentation is that blogs have become an inevitable, popular, quick and easy way for people to communicate.  It is a tool.  No different from pen and paper, a web site or a newsletter.  I view blogs as yet one more media to get the message out.  As school administrators, communication is one of our main responsibilities.  Why would we not want to get that message out in as many ways as possible?  What about the negative comments people may post?  Blogs give me an opportunity to respond to the criticism or concern instead of the information being spread without a district response. For school administrators that don't want to deal with comments or moderating, the blog can be set up without the ability for anyone to comment.  It can merely share information.   For some attending the session, this was  new information and  some  could see starting blogs with this purpose in mind.
      With respect to newspaper blogs or blogs hosted by television news stations,  while I cannot control what the editor in the newspaper prints or anchorman reports, I can respond with accurate information on their blog.  The very same blog that members of our community read and comment on.  I don't have to feel helpless when a sound byte is printed out of context.  I can clarify my remarks.  Is this a bad thing?  I think not.
     Participating on this panel was a great experience.  It not only gave me some things to think about, it provoked a conversation and the use of blogs.  As election day nears, we are sure to hear and read about blogs sponsored by the candidates.  It will be yet another media used for and against our potential leaders in government.  Naturally, newspapers will be filled as well as the 6:00 news with the position of these politicians on a myriad of topics.  If so desired, citizens will also be able to seek more information on their blogs and give their opinion as it relates to a particular topic.  Is this wrong?  I think not.