29 posts in 29 days!! Much to my surprise I have actually managed to complete the challenge of a posting per day throughout February. At the end of 2015 I set out my intention to write at least 2 posts per month or 24 posts in total across the year, however as a result of #29daysofwriting, I have managed 29 posts in February alone.
What went well…..
Throughout the month there were various points at which I struggled, in particular in identifying what to actually write about. Every time this has happened I have been met with suggestions and ideas from colleagues from across the educational social media sphere. Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions!
The whole process of sitting down to write each night has forced me to make some time available to do the writing. It has also forced me to reflect on my practice, on my ideas and also on the ideas and postings of others.
In writing every day I also made time to read other peoples contributions each day and where possible to comment. This helped in providing me with new ideas and providing access to new perspectives.
Even Better If…
I think in hindsight it would have been beneficial if I had done some planning at the beginning of the month, outlining some of the topics I intended to write on. Having not done this planning I found myself struggling for ideas. I feel it is often the case that when you try to force ideas, you don’t find any, however when you are more relaxed that ideas come more freely. A little bit of planning would have allowed me to feel a little less pressured and hopefully therefore have realized more ideas. That said, colleagues quickly filled the voids with ideas where they occurred.
Going forward
It has been an excellent process for me in terms of the writing and thinking I have done over the last month. In addition the sharing and discussion involved have further added to the experience. As we move into March I need to continuing posting, albeit at a lesser frequency. My original new years resolutions included to post twice per month however having posted ever day I think I may look to increase this and go for posting once per week from now on. Hopefully this is something I can sustain.
I also want to make more time to comment on others postings in particular those postings on StaffRm, which I have found to be a brilliant place to share and collaborate.
And most important…….A new #29daysofwriting mug for drinking my coffee (or in my case Irn-Bru! Excuse the stereotype!!!!)
Technology and Learning