It’s now June 1, and that means the 31 day Comment Challenge (for May 08) is over. 🙁
Michele has set the final task as one of reflecting on the top 5 lessons those participating have learnt. While I wasn’t able to complete all tasks for the ‘challenge’ (there’s something to be said for the discipline of making some priority to do the tasks), I’ve been able to see the value of having a structured task/activity to encourage people to step out of their comfort zones and into their learning zones. It reminds me of the Learning 2.0 program (that originated at the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County) and the ‘23 things’ activity as another great example of a learning initiative to get people actively engaged in experiencing a range of Internet and Web 2.0 applications. I’d definitely participate in something like this again. 🙂
What I’ve learnt (amongst other things) is that:
#1. There are a lot of great people blogging out there. Through the activities I’ve come across many new bloggers and I’ve subscribed to a number of new blog feeds that I hope will add value to my learning and help me in my role in supporting the use of technologies in higher education.
#2. I’ve got something to contribute through my blogging. I realise that have my own experience and perspectives to bring to the educational blogging community and that others may find these useful. So, through the last month I now feel confirmed, particularly that I’ve only been writing my ‘professional’ blog for two months!
#3. I can comment on what other people are writing. I’ve enjoyed being able to confirm ideas, suggest/provide other perspectives and help develop ideas and stories on other people‘s blogs. It’s still early days for me (as a blogger/commenter) but I’m now thinking more about what I might be able to share with others that could add value to what they do.
#4. Commenting can help build relationships and make stronger, deeper, authentic and lasting connections. The network building through this activity has been very valuable I look forward to it continuing as I meet more people online. I am looking to meeting some of these people face to face and will look for opportunities to do this.
#5. I’m very happy to have people comment on my blog. There’s a sense of engagement, support and validation when someone makes the effort to leave a comment. It’s even been fun to comment/reply back to the comments left on my blog – I’ve come to see this as an important aspect of being part of the blogosophere as it maintains and enhances the interactions.
…and just because I can – I think I’d like to add a sixth…
#6. That being involved in this activity has helped strengthen me as a blogger and developed my understanding of the possibilities of ‘the blog’ in education. I’m now much better situated to provide informed advice and recommendations on social media in my work context and elsewhere.
Finally, a huge personal thanks to those people who managed to make this happen; Sue Waters, Silvia Tolisano, Michele Martin and Kim Cofino (with sponsorship by coComment and Edublogs). I’ve really appreciated the time they’ve invested to guide us through this month of learning – they can be assured the investment has paid off!
Now I need to pay it forward – will you?
Thank you, I’ve read your comment on the blog “The Journey” and I came here to tell you I agree with you in that now that our Challenge is over, we may go freely and put into practice what we have learned. I’m just beginning, but, after the challenge, I’m enthusiastic about it.
When I will have finished to correct my tests I’ll come back to visit your site!
Ines Pinto
Hi,
Thanks for your very good post: I think you are right to the point !
Yes, definitely, commenting is publishing and can become a very interesting part of your online activity.
This is all about “meeting” people, participating, exchanging ideas….
The comment challenge definitely helped to see this by practice: for this, we can a big “thank you” to the challenge team !
@Ines, Thanks for visiting, It seems that many people have benefitted from the Comment Challenge. I’ll definitely be talking about my learning/s with my colleagues and using the activity as a model of how we can use Web 2.0 technologies to support, enhance and encourage learning. I’m looking forward to continuing the conversation with you.
@Christophe, I do like the idea of ‘publishing’ and I do see my blog as a sort of e-portfolio as process, rather than product (a nod to Helen Barrett). It’s also been great to meet people through blogging and I hope that the interactions will continue.
Actually, the interaction will continue if you want it to happen. You can always invite people to participate a conversation that you find interesting. And, you will always discover new people when participating in new conversations.
I think the challenge was a very good way to understand how this happen: now, you can apply this method to extend your community further.
I’m glad you enjoyed and gained from the Challenge Colin. While I was the one that plotted to create the Challenge we all owe Michele Martin lots of praise because she is the one who kept us on task with the inspiring tasks. Love hearing you talk about paying it forward because much of what I do is paying it forward to all the people who have helped me over time. And the Challenge has provided you with tools that will make it easier for you to pay forward.