The finalists for the Edublog Awards 2005 are out and I’m humbled to have made the cut in the best individual blog category. I have no clue what that means in terms of numbers of people who may have offered this site in nomination, but I’ll be the first to admit it feels good to be acknowledged in this way by my peers. Thanks to those of you who made the effort and to those of you who continue to read and connect with my ideas and experiences. (Insert Sally Field moment here.)
The even better news is the company I’m keeping. I consider Stephen Downes, and Barbara Ganley to be among my top five in terms of “trusted sources” and most relevant teachers. Both are big nodes in my network. To be honest, I’m not familiar with Ulises Ali Mejias, although a first read of his “A Nomad’s Guide to Learning and Social Software” (nominated in the “Most influential post, resource or presentation” category) suggests maybe I should be.
Just as side note, I think it’s really interesting the diversity of blogging styles in this group. Stephen is the ultimate filter; his sole purpose is to find relevant posts or publications and to give a cogent thumbs up or thumbs down to the reader and move on. Barbara, on the other hand, is the ultimate reflector, bringing us in to her practice with finely woven, link filled narratives. Me, I feel like I’m from the “a little bit o’ dis, a little bit o’ dat” more frenetic school of blogging. That’s what’s so cool about blogs is that they are as diverse as the personalities of the authors.
The other piece of news is there are a slew of new edblogger sites and sources to be checking out the next few days. So if you get the urge, head on over and make your selections. Vote early and often, and let’s celebrate the work that people running the awards and the nominees (and so many others) are doing.
UPDATE: Here’s the direct link to the voting.
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